If you love ocean swimming but want to shake things up, the 3 Points Challenge at North Curl Curl is the perfect way to do it.

Part swim, part run, and all fun, this iconic Northern Beaches event takes you on a wild little journey across three beaches — North Curl Curl, South Curl Curl, and Freshwater — linking them by foot over the headlands and along the sand. It’s a coastal adventure that’s equal parts challenge and joy, and one of the most exciting ways to spend a morning by the sea.

What makes it so good

There’s something special about these swim-run events. They tap into that child-like feeling of freedom — diving under waves one minute, running barefoot the next, saltwater dripping off your elbows as you climb the headland trail.

They’re a reminder that movement can be playful, that fitness doesn’t have to mean chasing times or medals, and that a good dose of surf, sun, and shared energy beats any lap pool session.

And if you already love ocean swimming, a swim-run adds a whole new dimension. You’ll still get that familiar thrill of diving through the break, but between swims you’ll feel the sand under your feet, the trail breeze on your face, and the buzz of switching gears between land and sea.

What to expect on the day

This one’s not for the faint-hearted — it’s a swim–run–swim–run–swim–run–sprint kind of day.

You’ll kick things off on the sand in front of North Curl Curl SLSC with a 300m surf swim — short, sharp, and full of action. Once you’re through the break, it’s back to the beach and straight into a 2.5km run south, weaving along the dunes and scrambling across the scenic rock shelf toward Freshwater Beach.

At Freshie, it’s time to dive back in for a quick 200m splash, before tackling the final grind — a 2.5km coastal run back to North Curly that’ll test your legs but reward you with unbeatable views. One last 300m swim stands between you and the finish line, followed by a soft sand dash to the cheers, salt spray, and satisfaction of finishing one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal challenges.

It’s part trail, part surf, all grit — and 100% unforgettable.

How to prepare

You don’t need to overhaul your training for this one — just add a bit of variety.

Do some light runs on the sand or trails, and try a few “ins and outs” at the beach to get used to the rhythm of diving through waves, swimming hard, and then running out. The more you play around in the surf, the more natural it’ll feel on the day.

If you want a deeper dive, David McIlwaine from Fit4Dreams has created a great 4-week training plan for the 3 Points Challenge — complete with tips on running strength, surf entries, and building speed through short swims.

Why you’ll love it

The 3 Points Challenge is more than just an event — it’s an experience. You’ll feel the burn in your legs, the salt on your skin, and the buzz of being part of something that celebrates the best parts of our coastal lifestyle.

It’s perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but wants to mix things up — to meet a community of like-minded ocean lovers and rediscover the joy of moving along the coast, one beach at a time.