Ready to earn those winter bragging rights? The Ice Cold Classic at Manly is the kind of event that makes you feel bold, buzzing, and a little bit bonkers, in the best way possible. Held each year on the shortest day of the year, it’s a sunrise splash that celebrates everything we love about ocean swimming: the grit, the laughs, the community, and of course, the icy thrill of diving in when most people are still in bed.

This isn’t just a swim, it’s a salty rite of passage, inviting everyone from seasoned surf swimmers to curious first-timers to step outside their comfort zone and into the brisk waters of iconic Manly Beach. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, your breath will catch. But yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

With a course that’s beginner-friendly and community-focused, this event welcomes all levels and celebrates participation over performance. You’ll find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow ocean lovers, sharing nervous laughs at the start line and wide grins at the finish. There’s something electric about it, that unique Manly magic where the cold fades fast and the good vibes linger.

Whether you’re diving in to beat the frost, tick off a bucket-list winter challenge, or simply beat your mates into the water, the Ice Cold Classic is all heart, all high-fives, and plenty of goosebumps.