2007 3 Points Challenge & Ocean Swim Event Report

Well, once again mother nature conspired against us, but despite the inclement weather (and that is being polite), we were able to put on another polished event when we held the 2007 BBX 3 Points Challenge & Definition Health Clubs Ocean Swim on Saturday, December 1st. Despite being the first day of summer for 2007, it looked more like a scene from a deep Atlantic shipping disaster in the making when daylight broke. From about 4:30am, the weather turned from a benign overcast day into a nasty wind blown wet miserable day. Despite this, the event proved to be another success, thanks to the tireless effort of a multitude of club members. Thanks to to great support of our sponsors and the sensational turnout of competitors, we had a very successful fund raiser for the club.

Some statistics to help paint the picture -

• - before race day, we had 290 pre-registered competitors, with 65 down for the Ocean Swim, 211 for the 3 Points Challenge, and 14 sadists registered for both events
• - once we had closed the registration books on race day, we had a total of 123 registered competitors for the Ocean Swim, and 292 signed on for the 3 Points Challenge - imagine if we had a fine day like the day we had after the race !!!!
• - looking after the competitors safety in the water, we had 3 of our own IRBs backed up by a loan from Manly (which died before the races started - thanks Zane !) and IRBs from South Curly and Freshwater, and 2 Surf Rescue Jet Skis from Branch (which was reduced to 1 after we lost an engine during the Ocean Swim). Backing these power craft were a bunch of water safety personnel on boards and surf skis
• - approximately 100 club members and club socialites helped to resource the various stations required to run the event, including the registration area, the various transition areas and drink stations, and the finish line, and not to mention the BBQ and VIP area.

Feedback from many of the competitors & sponsors so far points to everyone being extremely happy with how the day went, all the way from the hospitality shown by our various marshals and support crew, the great support we provided in and out of the water, and after race activities, as well as the fantastic prizes that were on offer (especially the great trophies designed and made by Nic Auton of Legend Pottery fame), and the great exposure for our sponsors. If you want to hear an outsider's view of proceedings, visit http://www.oceanswims.com/nsw78/3pointsrep07.html for a detailed report from some die hard ocean swimmers, and also some great photos. We also have photos on our own Photo Gallery

2007 Event Competitor Timings & Placings

Definition Health Clubs Ocean Swim

First warm event for the day is a leisurely 2km ocean swim from North Curl Curl down to our neighbors at South Curl Curl and back. The conditions can vary once you pass the surf break, but you are always guaranteed a testing ride.

BBX 3 Points Challenge

Opened to all of the community this event is a biathlon consisting of running and swimming. The course starts at North Curl Curl Beach, travels to South Curl Curl Beach around to Freshwater Beach and then returns along the same route to finish at North Curl Curl Beach.

What makes this event so exciting for both participants and spectators is the unique make up of the event, 3 surf swims at 3 different beaches with a good mix of cross country running in between as well as the natural beauty of the course, showcasing some of the best coastal scenery the northern beaches has to offer.

The course is challenging but not too challenging, anyone with average swimming and running ability can participate. We anticipate up to 400 starters or more not to mention spectators at 3 beaches and lining the course.

Warringah Home Loans Invitational Skins

Following the Ocean Swim and the 3 Points Challenge, the top 6 finishers in each event will be invited to take part in the Warringah Home Loans Invitational Skins - Dash for Cash. This event is a series of sprints through the surf break with a 75m swim out from the beach at North Curl Curl, returning and finishing with a 20m run up the beach, with losers eliminated in each leg, racing for a total cash pool of $600. Even spectators get tired with this event !!!!