Held on World Oceans Day, the Janice Mason Memorial Swim is more than just a swim, it’s a moment to honour loved ones, celebrate our connection to the sea, and soak up the community spirit that makes ocean swimming so special.
Set against the golden sands and gentle waves of Mona Vale Beach, this 1.2km swim is accessible and inclusive, perfect for newer swimmers, families, and anyone after a meaningful ocean experience. It’s not about racing, it’s about remembering, reflecting, and rejoicing in the saltwater that brings us together.
Run with heart by the local surf club and inspired by Janice’s legacy, the event raises awareness and support for causes close to the ocean swimming community. You’ll find a vibe that’s warm, welcoming, and quietly powerful.
Whether you swim for someone, for the love of the ocean, or just to be part of something good, this is a swim that stays with you.
Simple. Soulful. Salty in all the right ways.
Mona Vale Beach is one of the most reliable and beautiful swim venues on the Northern Beaches. It’s framed by a headland and reef system that often provides protection from big swell, creating great swim conditions.
Expect water temps around 20–21°C in early June. Conditions are usually cool but swimmable, with support from IRBs and board paddlers throughout.
Wetsuits are welcome and likely preferred due to cooler June temps. This swim suits all fitness levels, but basic ocean swimming ability is recommended. The vibe is friendly, safe, and inclusive.
8:30 am – Registration andbag drop opens
9:45 am – Marshalling/swim briefing
10:00 am – Swim start (2-minute intervals)
10:15 am – Soup and fruit
10:45 am – Presentation
11:00 am – World Ocean Day Activities
Parking is available around Mona Vale SLSC, including the beachside car park and surrounding streets. Just be sure to arrive early if the sun’s out, as it tends to fill fast. There’s easy access to the sand, showers nearby, and plenty of grassy space for spectators to cheer swimmers on or enjoy a post-swim stretch.
Public transport is a solid option too. B-Line buses run regularly from Wynyard Station in the city to Mona Vale, with the trip taking around an hour. Local buses also connect from surrounding suburbs like Dee Why, Narrabeen, and Avalon. The bus stop is just a short stroll from the surf club, making it easy to leave the car behind and still soak up the swim day vibes.
After your salty splash, head straight to The Boathouse for a flat white and pastry with postcard views across the sand, or take a short stroll to Armchair Collective, part café, part lifestyle store, and all good vibes, for a colourful nourish bowl, stacked pancakes, or their famous breakfast burrito.
If you’re still feeling active, walk the headland track between Mona Vale and Warriewood for sea spray views and dolphin spotting (they’re regulars around here). Or grab a towel and chill on the grassy reserve above Mona Vale Basin, the perfect spot to bask in the post-swim glow with friends.
Bringing the family? Let the kids splash in the ocean pool, or treat them to an ice cream from one of the beach kiosks. Feeling curious? Check out the local markets if they’re on, or pop into one of the boutique stores dotted through the village.
Mona Vale is more than just a swim spot, it’s a community. Stick around, share a yarn with the surf club crew, and soak in the feel-good energy. This is what ocean swimming is all about: connection, nature, and moments that last long after your cap comes off.
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