- Date11 Dec 2022
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About
The ClearView Buckler to Bergs Ocean Swim (previously the 'Roughwater') was once one of the first ocean swims in the New Year, but now has a new date on the second Sunday in December.
Bondi is a mecca for ocean swimming in Sydney, with swimming groups dominating the water most mornings of the week, and why wouldn't it be, it is a simply stunning place to swim.
From the iconic Icebergs in the south, to the famous Bondi Lifeguards and their tower in the middle, to the North Bondi rock pools and Grassy Knoll in the north, it's the place to be.
As part of the event, which is run out of the sheltered North Bondi, there are two different swims to take on: a 1km and a 2km.
With the way the day has been structured, it is possible to take on both if you're especially motivated.
It's an event that can attract hundreds of competitors, so make sure you get in early.
There are great prizes for category winners and for the average swimmer in each distance - learn more in the 'Other Information' section.
Note: The sister event to the Oceana North Bondi Classic (held in February).
Both the 1km and 2km courses are fairly straightforward circuits, following the buoys out around and back into the beach.
Bondi Beach is an open beach with banks, gutters, rips, and as a south-facing beach, will have swell when it's from the S/SE. However, North Bondi beach is the calmer and gentler end of Bondi, being protected by Ben Buckler and the northern headland and rock shelf.
While there is usually a strong run-out in the corner of North Bondi, which is helpful for getting out through the break, you will want to stay away from this on your way back in.
The 1km course is a smaller version of the 2km swim. Starting on the beach out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and swimming straight out, before a slight turn south, then followed by a turn heading north-west into the beach and one final swim past a bouy before returning into shore out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
The 2km course reaches every corner of the Bay - from Ben Buckler Headland to the Icebergs and back. Starting on the beach out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and swimming straight out, before a slight turn south to the 'Bergs, then followed by a 75-degree turn west, followed another turn and lastly one final turn into shore to finishing back out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
Swim aids such as wetsuits, fins, snorkels and pull buoys are allowed during the race, but swimmers who choose to use aids will need to state so in the online entry portal.
After the swim, explore Sydney’s famous beachside suburb, Bondi. There are plenty of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to explore and fit everyone's taste.
Take your pick of local favourites Messina, the North Bondi RSL, The Depot and Ravesis.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the famous ‘Boys in Blue’, the lifeguards from Bondi Rescue. They are either on the beach or roaming the streets of Bondi and are always up for a photo if you ask.
Bondi Beach has multiple parking options; the Bondi Beach carpark offers parking for $8 per hour, but if you travel a few streets back from the main Bondi strip, you will find 2-hour paid parking zones followed by a hot commodity of free all-day parking. Be warned, though, these parks do get snapped up quickly.
If you don’t want to drive, you can also catch public transport, with the 380 and 333 heading from the city, through Bondi Junction, to Bondi Beach.
Event Prizes by Running Bare
Event prizes are provided by Running Bare for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each category.
The Average Swimmer Prize
Will you be the average swimmer? There will be a $250 cash prize for the swimmer with the average time in both the 1km and 2km swims. i.e. if the average 1km swim time is 16 mins 3 secs, and you swim that exact time or the closest to it, you will be the average swimmer!
All prizes are drawn at the presentation and you must be in attendance to claim the prize.
Gallery
Details
- Event TypeOcean Swim
- VenueNorth Bondi Beach
- Swim Distances1km & 2km
- Course Type/sAround The Buoys
- Minimum Age/s1km: 10-years-old, 2km: 13-years-old
- Entry Price Range$45 - 70
- Online Entries CloseSun, 11 Dec 2022 - 8am
Pricing
- 1km Swim: $45
- 2km Swim: $45
- 1km & 2km Swim Combo: $70
Late entries on the day accepted with $10 late fee
SAVE UP TO 20% ON THE OCEANA NORTH BONDI CLASSIC
When you enter this event you will receive a discount on the next event in the series, the Oceana North Bondi Classic (ONBC) on Sunday, 12 February 2023:
- Enter a single Swim, SAVE 10% on a single Swim at the ONBC
- Enter the Swim Combo, SAVE 20% on the Swim Combo at the ONBC
*Discounts can be claimed until 31 January 2023.
Schedule
- 8:00am - Registration opens
- 8:30am - Registration closes for 1km swim
- 9:00 am - 1km swim start
- 10:00am - Registration closes for 2km swim
- 10:30am - 2km swim start
- 11:30am - Prizegiving (in the clubhouse - must be in attendance to claim prizes)
Manage your entry
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard. Fees apply.
Location
North Bondi NSW, Australia
Organised by
Event results
2022 results - Rate & Review | Provide Feedback (Survey)
2021 (Dec) results | 2021 results | 2020 results | 2019 results | 2017 results | 2016 results | 2015 results
Michelle Heeter
11 Dec 2022 at 7:57pmI really appreciated the lifeguards, who looked after an old, slow swimmer like me and cheered me on. And a big thank you to the folks doing first aid, who looked after my friend who had hypothermia and got her to hospital. Great race.
Ian
13 Dec 2022 at 1:13pmBeautiful day, well organised. Typical Nth Bondi conditions, get the rip out and fight the chop on way back.
Wish they had an extra orange buoy on the return journey. Swam way off course on way back to yellow buoy. Maybe more water safety people needed on that leg to guide you.
Will be back in February.