Swimmers cut a path through the ocean off Gerringong for the annual Captain Christie Ocean Swim. Photo: Mitch Payne.
Each March a crowd gathers at Gerringong Boat Harbour, ready to brave whatever conditions the ocean might throw up.
The Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club has held the annual Captain Christie Ocean Swim since the 1980s.
Participants complete a 1.8-km course around the headland to Werri Beach.
The swim is based on the tale of Captain William Earnest Bartholomew Christie.
Legend has it that back in 1882 Captain Christie took up a challenge from his sailors to swim from the harbour around the rocky headland to Werri Beach for a bottle of the finest whisky.
The good captain won, and each year participants are rewarded for their efforts with their own miniature bottle of whisky.
Organiser Mitch Payne said the bottles were a point of pride for many committed swimmers who kept a collection built up over decades on display at home.
The minimum age for entry in the swim is 14, although you have to be aged 18 or more to receive the whisky.
There is no maximum age, with swimmers in their 80s taking to the water to complete the course.
“John Shoebridge is one of our regulars; he’s retired from the swim numerous times, but he keeps coming back,” Mitch said.
“He completed it last year in really tough conditions.”
Although John is unable to take part this year, as he is travelling, Mitch said he was confident he’d see John at the starting line in 2026.
While it’s not easy, the swim is rewarding.
“Last year we had a bit of swell; northeasterly winds when you’re going north makes it really challenging behind the point,” Mitch said.
“The backwash can be a bit of a washing machine, but this weekend looks like it’s going to be a really nice swim, with a good water temp and about 25-degree air temperature.
“It should be really enjoyable.”
Previously held in the first week of January, organisers shifted the date to March to take advantage of generally warmer waters, smaller swells and gentler winds.
There’s plenty of support in the water for first-timers who might feel a bit nervous.
The focus is on the experience, not competition.
“It’s a really enjoyable swim in a really friendly and supportive environment,” Mitch said.
“The whole time you’re behind the rocks travelling along the headlands a lot of the specators stand up there behind the point cheering everybody on.
“It’s not a competitive environment; it’s more of a have-a-go culture with plenty of water safety people in IRBs and on boards out there.
“That’s what our club is about; we want to encourage people to get in the ocean and enjoy it.”
Mitch, a life-long member of Gerringong SLSC, has organised the event for the past 10 years, along with a team of dedicated volunteers.
One of the first ocean swims in NSW, the Captain Christie has a rich tradition behind it, and the course around the headland is unique.
To take part all you need is the ability to swim 2 km and confidence in the open ocean.
Online entries to the Captain Christie Ocean Swim are open until 3 pm, Saturday 22 March.
The swim takes place on Sunday 23 March from 10 am.
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