Graham's Eager to Take the Plunge For the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series
Graham Fairbairn from Centennial Park can't wait for the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series to start. He returned from Hawaii recently where he competed in an ocean swim and is ready to take the plunge in the first of the series swims at Bilgola on 14 December.
He was the winner of the major prize offered for the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series last season. The prize included a trip for two to Byron Bay to compete in the Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic, staying at the BayRoyal Luxury Apartments for three nights. Return air fares were included sponsored by Travel View Avalon.
The Pittwater Surf Life Saving Clubs Ocean Swim Series is strongly supported by Pittwater Council. All funds raised by the swims go towards essential life saving equipment necessary to keep the beaches safe.
"I enjoy the Pittwater swims because they're a bit tougher than the Eastern Suburbs beaches due to the surf conditions. Got to test the mettle in bigger surf, especially because Coogee is a millpond!
"The ocean swim season is the highlight of the year so I'll be down to compete in as many Pittwater swims as I can. Ocean swimming feels like "the last unspoiled sport" in Sydney, where you can still just rock up, drop a reasonable amount of money and have a terrific morning being active with a community of like minded people.
"Things like running & triathlon are far more involved & expensive and just not quite as accessible," said Graham.
Graham's father, Stewart, is also an ocean swimmer and he took his dad on the prize trip to Byron Bay earlier this year.
"I introduced my Dad and my girlfriend Zoe to ocean swimming. They're both very strong swimmers and both beat me regularly. So it's a great way for us to spend a morning together. As a surf lifesaver it really helps with my fitness and understanding of the ocean, which is useful during my patrols.
"I keep up to date with the various ocean swims on oceanswims.com and pretty much go to every swim I can. I really enjoy ocean swimming!
"I got into ocean swimming via the lifesaving club and a few friends who used to do them from time to time I'll do a couple of pool sessions a week, normally 1.5-2k. Generally on my own rather than with a squad. I put in a mixture of speed sessions and low intensity" Graham continued.
Graham works for Arnott's Biscuit as promotions manager on the Woolworths account based job. His mum usually comes out to watch the swims "but we haven't got her in the water yet"
"Ocean swimming feels like "the last unspoiled sport" in Sydney, where you can still just rock up, drop a reasonable amount of money and have a terrific morning being active with a community of like minded people. Things like running & triathlons are far more involved & expensive and just not quite as accessible", he continued.
The Pittwater Ocean Swim Series starts with the Bilgola ocean swim on Sunday 14 December 2014, followed by Newport 4 January 2015, Avalon 11 January, Mona Vale 18 and the Big Swim (Palm Beach to Whale Beach) on 25 January.
Free parking is available until 2pm on the day of each swim at each beaches council car park.
To qualify for the Byron Bay prize, swimmers only have to compete in three of the five swims in the series to go in the draw. It is open to all competitors regardless of their swim times.
Full details and online entries for each of the swims are available on www.oceanswims.com
By John Guthrie
