- Date19 Mar 2023
- Recommended
The Barney Mullins Swim Classic is named after Freshwater SLSC Life Member and Freshwater swim legend George 'Barney' Mullins.
The race up until 2007 was restricted to Freshwater SLSC members. Barney passed away in October 1995 and his son George travels from Queensland each year to attend race day.
Freshwater is one of Sydney's most beautiful northern beaches and is generally protected from some of the larger swells by its north and south headland.
White sands and crystal clear water help to ensure an enjoyable swim to be had by all.
The event has a single distance on offer, a very achievable 1.5km for this time of the season.
There are plenty of age categories for male and female swimmers and a mates wave for families and friends who want to enjoy the swim together.
Celebrate your morning's work with a coffee at The Pocket cafe on the beach or catch up with friends over fish and chips and a beer at Harbord Hotel.
Starting at the north end of the beach, the 1.5km swim heads out to the northern point before a sharp turn south where the swim heads across the bay to the south point, before completing a circuit back north to the start/finish.
Freshwater is in the heart of the northern beaches and the sky is the limit for how long you can spend here and what you can do.
Start with coffee at the Freshwater Cafe or The Pocket Cafe at the beach, or maybe try out the highly rated Pilu At Freshwater which opens for lunch and dinner. The Harbord Hotel is a block back from the beach with a laid-back vibe, great for fish and chips and a beer to celebrate your achievement.
There's a beach carpark and there tends to be plenty of parks in the streets within a short walk.
Regular buses (route 139) run hourly from Manly Wharf.
Categories
Mates wave
For families and groups of friends who wish to swim together, irrespective of their ages. If you wish to be included in this wave, please select the appropriate entry option in the online entry portal.
Prizes
There are prizes for all age category winners.
Water bottles
Freshwater will not be giving away water bottles this season, in the interest of environmental sensitivity, so please bring your own water bottles.
Registration on the day
All entrants must register in the park behind the clubhouse from 8:30-9:30am to receive their colour-coded swim cap and timing anklet. Caps are provided courtesy of the Community Bank at Freshwater.
1.5km swim
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard. Fees apply.
Transfers must be completed by: 12pm, Saturday, 18 March 2023
Freshwater NSW, Australia
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Trevor James MCMAHON
23 Apr 2022 at 5:21pmI thoroughly enjoyed the swim today. Water was clear and warm and the race was very well organized. The fruit provided after the race was also very good. My only suggestion is that an intermediate buoy would have made it easier to navigate on the 2nd leg. Congratulations to all swimmers for participating and for the superb organization.
Luke Hicks
24 Apr 2022 at 7:42amAwesome event. 2022 was run in ideal conditions. Great work on the organisation guys I’m looking forward to next year!
Paul Haddon
19 Mar 2023 at 2:46pmthoroughly enjoyable swim. my only suggestion would be to rethink the wave sequence. starting the elite women after the 50+ men was unfair on them . they deserve an uncluttered course.
Stephen Ellis
19 Mar 2023 at 4:38pmFantastic swim. Beautiful water, perfect conditions.
Maybe some water to drink when one finishes
Brian McKenny
20 Mar 2023 at 12:36pmAs an interstate visitor I was impressed. Congratulations to the Freshwater SLC for a well run event. Perfect conditions and a great atmosphere. The bloke on the PA system was a real asset with helpful commentary without being over the top. Cheers
Marianne Horton
22 Mar 2023 at 8:26amFun swim to do with your friends. Great atmosphere, beautiful beach and lovely locals. Thanks to the organisers