Report by Caroline Makin, Club Captain
We had just a small contingent of three Vikings take part in the annual Tathra Wharf 2 Waves Ocean Swims this year on Sunday, 14 January 2017.
Jenna Freeman, Caz Makin and Tom Boyce all swam in both the age group 600m and also the 1200m open swims.
The conditions could not have been more perfect for the pool swimmers on the morning of the swims. Clear blue skies, clear water and the ocean temperature a lovely 20-21 degress and like a millpond.
The surf was almost non-existent with the only chop being experienced in the return leg back to the turning buoy into the beach during the 1200m swim.
Jenna Freeman finished in first place from 10 swimmers in the F18-29 age group in the 600m event in 8 Mins 28 Seconds.
Jenna also snapped up first place Female in the 1200m open event in a time of 17 Minutes 11 Seconds, crossing the line ahead of 45 other females.
The prizes for the 1200m included a beautiful framed picture and $500 cash as well as free entry into the events next year!
Caz Makin made it across the finish line in first place making it her second top of the podium placing in the last three years ahead of 18 other swimmers in the F45-49 age group in the 600m event. Caz finished in 8 Mins 43 Seconds, beating her rival from the last eight years of competition, local surf lifesaver, Sharon George, by a huge 1 Min 20 Seconds.
Caz finished 4th overall Female in the 1200m open event in a time of 18 Minutes 8 Seconds.
It was great to see Tom Boyce back swimming and racing after his shoulder operation in 2016. Tom finished in an excellent 4th place from 30 in the M50-59 age group in the 600m event in a time of 9 Minutes 23 Seconds and his finish time of 19 Minutes 26 Seconds put him in 19th place from a total of 85 males in the 1200m open event. Looking forward to seeing you back at training in February Tom!
Great swims by all three Vikings!
Full results are available and there is an article in the Bega District News with lots of photos from the event as well as a video capturing the event.
