Pittwater Ocean Swims Welcome Swimmers in March
By John Guthrie
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Ocean swimmers have eagerly welcomed the news that Bilgola, Mona Vale and Avalon surf clubs will hold their ocean swims in March.
Bilgola is first cab off the rank with swims on Sunday 1 March, after postponing their traditional January swims. Mona Vale will hold their postponed swims on Sunday 8 March, while Avalon Beach are gearing up for Sunday 15 March, including their popular Around The Bends swim from Newport to Avalon.
Nikki Curtin, Bilgola’s swims organiser, said many swimmers were looking forward to taking on the ocean at the boutique beach, known for its tropical ambience.
“Our ocean swims will be well supported by strong water safety including IRBs, extra jet skis and a drone for added safety. Swimmers are under continued surveillance and our safety team is on continual alert.
“You can choose from the 500m or 1.5kms swims to suit your capability and both swims are around the buoys located within the Bilgola beach precinct. It’s a wonderful engagement with nature at one of our most beautiful beaches,” said Nikki.
Mona Vale follows on Sunday 8 March, with a 2.26kms swim from Warriewood to Mona Vale and a 1km Family Swim at Mona Vale. The journey from Warriewood to Mona Vale provides ocean swimmers what they love most, the opportunity to take on a challenge and be at one with nature. You go out to sea from Warriewood, then hang a left and make your way to picturesque Mona Vale basin, carving your way through the surf in an embracing experience.
The Warriewood to Mona Vale Swim is more than just a coastal cruise; it’s a swim with heart, history, and deep local roots. First held during the 1977–78 season with just 20 swimmers, the event was founded by Mona Vale Surf Club life member Don ‘Doc’ Jenkin, whose legacy continues to shape the swim today, and not just in the swim named to honour his legacy.
The 2.26km point-to-point course offers the kind of open water journey ocean swimmers live for: clear water, rugged headlands, and the thrill of swimming from one beach to another.
The 1 km Family Swim, named to honour treasured Mona Vale SLSC Member Janice Mason, is a point-to-point swim at Mona Vale Beach that’s great for swimmers aged 12+ who want a social, supportive ocean experience. Starting in front of the Mona Vale Surf Club, you’ll head east before rounding the rock shelf and making your way into Bongin Bongin Bay (aka “the Basin”), a calm, protected pocket of water that’s ideal for a cruisy finish. It’s a fun, scenic swim that’s perfect for families and first-timers alike.
According to Allison Cooper, one of the Mona Vale organisers, the Warriewood to Mona Vale Swim is a swim with heart, history, and deep local roots.
“The swim is now almost 50 years old and is recognised as one of the first organised ocean swims in Australia. It’s a great honour to continue the tradition of Mona Vale ocean swims. All funds raised go towards essential life saving equipment and maintenance,” Allison enthused.
It is not often that you get to combine and enjoy two great passions: the beauty of the ocean and exercise. The Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club would like to share these combined passions in a magical swimming experience with as many people as possible.
On Sunday 15th March 2026 the Avalon Beach SLSC will coordinate one of Sydney’s most beautiful ocean swims for the 9th year, the 'Around the Bends' swim. Starting from the northern end of Newport Beach, the current will take you around the headland.
Surrounded by your fellow swimmers and plenty of water safety you will continue across the sandy bottom of Bilgola Beach until you reach Bilgola Headland, usually a great vantage point for whale watching. You will see these amazing headlands from a unique perspective. Above the water the views are great but below you the rock shelves extend to large boulders and caves. This pristine world is home to giant schools of fish and it’s not unusual to spot a turtle or a very friendly cuttlefish. This is 2.5 kilometres of wonder and excitement, and you can conquer three beaches before breakfast in the safety of a group of ocean swimmers.
Volker Klemm, member of the Avalon Beach SLSC, who has swum the course a number of times said: “I loved the changes in the underwater environment as we swam along. Last time I saw a lovely ray and lots of little fish amongst the bright green beds of seagrasses just before getting into Avalon Beach. The underwater views are absolutely wonderful. I don’t tend to swim it at full pace as I get caught up enjoying the view.” said Volker.
Kalinda, who is new to ocean swimming, said: “Even on an average day you can see the bottom of the ocean, most of the way, which is very reassuring. If you really want to enjoy the swim without the competitiveness of a swim race, grab your flippers, wear a wetsuit and join us in the Back of Pack starting group for a more relaxed sort of a swim”.
“March 15th has been chosen as the water is expected to be a balmy 23C and the tides on the day will not be extreme. We are looking forward to a lovely swim in the best possible weather and conditions” Volker added.
As every year, Avalon surf club will also be running the classic Avalon Beach Surf Swim,1.2 km within the bay. Starting at the northern end of Avalon Beach, you will be aided by a nice rip current straight out to the first turning buoy. Turn south and then back towards the club house. With plenty of water safety looking out for you, it’s a great swim for proficient nippers and swimmers new to ocean swimming.
The cost is $40 for one or both swims good value for ocean swims these days. For all the clubs’ swims you register online at www.oceanswims.com
If you swim at least three swims you will go in the draw for one of two vouchers, valued at $250, to be enjoyed at The Basin restaurant.
Don’t miss out on these ocean swimming adventures!