- Date9 Jan 2022
- Recommended
This event has been postponed to March 2023 (Date to be decided)
Drenched in tradition, the legend of the Captain Christie Ocean Swim dates back to 1882. It is believed Captain William Earnest Bartholomew Christie took up his sailor's challenge to swim from Gerringong Boat Harbour around the rocky headland to Werri Beach - all for a bottle of the finest whisky. And he won.
Each year, swimmers relive Christie's swim in the Captain Christie open water event. Although only a 1.8km course, the swim is not an easy one and is better suited for those more confident ocean swimmers who are aware of rocks, currents and big swell.
Gerringong is a beautiful part of New South Wales to explore. Take some time out to relax, enjoy the beaches or head to the winery.
The Captain Christie Ocean Swim takes athletes back in time to celebrate Captain William Earnest Bartholomew Christie's legend.
First, swimmers will need to walk to the starting location for the swim, the boat ramp at Boat Harbour (don't be late to the registration as you need to factor in the walk).
Starting at the boat ramp, the course skirts the rock shelf around the headland from Gerrigong's Boat Harbour to Werri Beach.
While you're in Gerringong why not go and explore what the stunning coastal town has to offer.
Chill out at the beautiful beaches or go surfing at Werri Beach, considered one of the best surfing beaches on the South Coast. Bring your board from home or borrow one from a friend and surf at some of Australia's most beautiful beaches.
The Crooked River Winery is the perfect destination to enjoy wine from the area. Enjoy a free wine tasting in the most stunning setting overlooking the vineyard. If you've got time, relish a beautiful meal at the Crooked River Restaurant.
There are beach car parks and street parking near the beach, which, in regional fashion, is free.
Prize categories
14-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+, Male/Female
Please note: You will need to walk over the hill to the swim start at Boat Harbour straight after the swim briefing. This is why entries close an hour early so please factor this into your timing on the day.
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard. Fees apply.
Gerringong NSW, Australia
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David Brodie
9 Jan 2022 at 1:20pmWell done for a hosting a great swim/event. I thought the lifesavers volunteers did a great job thankyou.
My only suggestion (not a criticism) is that perhaps you could have some storage secure area for swimmers to store their clothing bags etc whilst swimming.
ROD FROM Melbourne
9 Jan 2022 at 1:46pmGreat swim fantastic physical and psychotically challenge. Worth the 10 hour drive from Melbourne to attend.
John
9 Jan 2022 at 2:02pmGreat event. Loved it
Andrew Camfield
9 Jan 2022 at 2:34pmLove this event. Well organised, good distance & fantastic location & environment. Will always come back
Jill Pettifer
9 Jan 2022 at 5:47pmGreat event as always, well organised, plenty of support and guidance in the ocean, great conditions for this journey swim. Wonderful to see so many familiar and friendly faces. Thank you.
weizhen625
10 Jan 2022 at 9:50amWell organised event, beautiful course, plenty water safety. A nice little hike to the starting point, no shoes needed as you’ll be mostly walking on the grass. Loved it all.