Report by Jeanette Droop
The inaugural Bay to Breakers Ocean Swim at Broulee was held on Sunday 11 March 2012.
Jeanette Droop and Karen Brown travelled over the mountain to brave the elements and dodge the sharks. On the day the weather was warm and clear with a bright blue sky. A small group of supporters: Rod, Mij and Greg and Karen’s family cheered them on from the rocks and the beach. Tim Booth from Molongo Water Dragons and ex members Mike Snoad and Suzanne Kelly were also competing.
Due to a rip heading towards the rocks and reef the 1.2km course was extended to about 1.4km to ensure the safety of the swimmers. The water temperature was a refreshing and invigorating 18 degrees and the visibility in the water was murky. The start of the course looked smooth however from the first dive after the whistle the girls found that looks can be deceptive; it was like swimming in a washing machine. It took a while to get used to swimming in with the swell. By the time they were heading for the finish line at Broulee Beach the waves had picked up and Karen was unceremoniously dumped by a breaker losing her goggles!
Both Viking ladies were pleased with their swim and the results. 178 people participated in the event. Their results were:
Karen Brown finished in 33:02 in 10th place in the Female 40-49 age group and 125th overall.
Jeanette Droop finished in 26:09 in 3rd place in the Female 50-59 age group and 54th overall.
Full results are available.
