Location
South Curl Curl Beach
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We're well and truly out of the main ocean swimming season in Sydney by May, but all too often the weather at this time of the year for the South Curl Curl 'Ken Ward Memorial' Ocean Swim takes the cake. If the air temp is variable, the water almost always isn't, with autumn temperatures still hovering around the 20-23 degrees - superb for swimming!
Not far up the northern beaches (a hop skip and a jump north of Manly), the 2km journey ocean swim, supported by Freshwater Community Bank, a branch of Bendigo Bank, is the most popular distance and course combo with ocean swimmers for the challenge and adventure, yet there aren't that many on the calendar.
Swimmers are provided with a fantastic course taking in a small amount of reef, blue water and a mostly sandy bottom.
Spectators can enjoy 100% views of the swim as they follow along on the coastal walkway from South Curl Curl to McKillop Park and Freshwater.
Swim Courses
Starting in front of the South Curl Curl surf club, this 2km swim will not return to this beach, instead, you'll head through the breakers, then south around the headland before a sharp right-hand turn takes you to the middle of Freshwater Beach.
There are usually four starts 5 minutes apart and if weather conspires against this course, an alternate course may be offered on the day.
While You're There
If you're heading back to South Curl Curl then head straight up into the surf club to dine and get your caffeine hit from Gusto on the Beach - the cafe is tucked right inside the club with unparalleled views of the beach.
If you're sticking around Freshwater, you'll need to head a couple of blocks back for a range of cafes to suit every taste.
Travel & Parking
Freshwater and South Curl Curl beaches are close together, so it doesn't really matter whether you park at either of the beaches. If you park at Freshwater, you'll need to walk to the start at South Curl Curl, if you park at South Curl Curl you'll need to walk back to the car after your swim.
Maybe the go is to park in the streets somewhere in the middle.
The 167 bus route runs right past the start at South Curl Curl, and also one block from the finish at Freshwater.
Gallery
Entry Price Range
From $35-35
Results
Event Type
Swim Distances
2km
Course Type
Swim Start Times
- 7-8:00am - Registration
- 8:15am - Pre-swim briefing
- 8:30am - 2km swim start
Swim Pricing
- 2km - $35
Note: There are no on-the-day entries
Max Entries
300
Minimum Age
14-years-old
Map
Curl Curl NSW, Australia
Other Event Info
Health & Safety
- If you are not feeling well please do not attend
- Try to observe a safe distance from other attendees
- Hand sanitiser will be available at the start
Online entries only
All swimmers should have pre-registered, as this simplifies our processes on the day.
Water bottles
You should bring your own water bottle, however, water refills will be possible.
Registration
Apart from the requirement to obtain a cap and swim number, everyone should remain outside and at a safe social distance.
Gear Transfer
- Gear can be transferred to the finish at Freshwater, and plastic bags are available so that nobody else needs to touch your possessions.
- If you need to return to Curl Curl we recommend you use the Board-walk as there is limited scope to transfer swimmers safely by car.
Pre-swim Briefing
There will be a pre-swim briefing on the beach @ 8.15am to explain the course and any event specifics.
Start Categories
We have separated category starts to ensure we limit the number of competitors in close proximity. The first wave commences at 8:30 and each wave will be exactly 5 minutes apart.
Presentation
This year there are no post-race presentations, and race results will be posted online.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
The organiser of this event, South Curl Curl SLSC, is a registered charity. This event is a major fundraiser for the club and other local community charities, and all proceeds go towards providing volunteer services to the community.
Cancelling your entry
- Should you wish to cancel your entry, for any reason, at any time, the following applies:
- Refunds are not available, your entry fee will be donated to the club
Event cancellation
Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:
- Entries will not be refunded
- The organiser may, at their discretion, choose another date for the event in the same season and rollover entries to the new date
- Should another date not be found within the same season, the event will be deemed to be cancelled, and there will be no refunds.
The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.
Trevor James MCMAHON
2 May 2022 at 12:10pmThe event was very well organised: briefing was fine and transfer of gear to Freshwater worked well. Swim conditions were very good.
Aude Vignelles
2 May 2022 at 6:03pmFriendliest swim ever. Water safety was impeccable and everyone so supportive. Can’t wait till next year. Well done South Curly!
Margie
3 May 2022 at 12:16pmEven the jellyfish were friendly – although a little sting on the lips at the start kept me vigilant all race. Well-organised and friendly swim – thank you South Curly and Freshie clubbies
Tracy
5 May 2022 at 4:34pmWonderful fun local event, well organised, shame about the jelly blubbers…that’s ocean swimming…