Discover the reimagined Great Victorian Swim Series for 2024-25! With a fresh format, exciting prize draws, and community-driven competition, it’s the perfect way to celebrate open water swimming in Victoria.
The Great Victorian Swim Series has long been a cherished part of Victoria’s open water swimming calendar.
After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Series has been revived for the 2024-25 season with a fresh format and exciting new features, ensuring it remains a highlight for swimmers across the state.
“There is so much history in the Great Victorian Swim Series,” said series organiser Andre Slade.
“For years, Gina and her team ran a wonderful series that really engaged swimmers throughout the season.
“The series took a break that aligned with the COVID pandemic, and we didn’t want that to be the end of it.
“So we have partnered with Tomato Timing and Race Roster to bring it back to life.”
This fresh start allowed the team to honour the series’ legacy while laying the groundwork for a revitalised and more engaging experience.
“The 2023-24 season was a chance to start again, and it was run similarly to how it had been in the past,” said Mr Slade.
“Then, we asked previous participants for their feedback and came up with a completely new format for the 2024-25 season.”
Swimmers participating this season will experience an enhanced competition structure and a range of new rewards including points, podiums, post-event and major prize draws.
“Swimmers wanted to be in the running for a podium in their age group throughout the season,” said Mr Slade.
“We’re allocating points at every event but only taking the top four results for the final series points tally. That means you can enter the series right up until the sixth event if you swim in the final four events.
“This approach not only rewards consistency but also keeps the competition fun and accessible for swimmers of all levels. It could also get quite strategic if you think about which swims you might do best in.”
One of the most exciting additions this year is the post-event prize draw. Every swimmer who enters a Series swim has a chance to win, with podium finishers earning more entries.
“This is a fun opportunity for everyone who entered the swim that week to have a chance of winning a prize,” said Mr Slade.
“We’ve had fantastic support from sponsors, including Vorgee, OceanFit, Effortless Swimming, Orca, and ASICS, and so there are some great prizes to be won.
“At the end of the Series, all entries are pooled for a major prize draw, offering participants the chance to win an OceanFit Swim The Whitsundays tour valued at $2,495.
“Everyone in the Series who enters at least one event will have a chance to win the major prize. The more events you enter and the more podiums you achieve, the more ‘tickets’ you have in the draw to win the swim tour prize.”
With a revamped format, enticing rewards, and a lineup of Victoria’s most beloved swims, Mr Slade and his team are eager to see the Series flourish.
“We’re hoping Victorians get in behind the Series and show their support,” said Mr Slade.
“We’d love to keep it going every season, grow the prize pool, and add more activities and benefits for members. If there are any brands and businesses out there keen to get involved, please contact us!
“So, whether you’re a seasoned open water swimmer or a newcomer, the Great Victorian Swim Series offers the perfect mix of competition, community, and fun for you.”
The 2024-25 Great Victorian Swim Series includes 10 Victorian open water swims:
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