In February 2021, the Noosa Summer Swim celebrates its eighth birthday. Queenslanders flock to this event in their thousands, but most wouldn’t class themselves as ‘swimmers’. There’s something about a dip in the big blue at Noosa in the heart of Summer that is proving irresistible.
The scenes on the start line tell the story – it isn’t lined with typical ‘athletes’. In the 1.0km short course event, there are often three generations swimming together – kids, parents and grandparents, that’s rare in any sport.
It’s also becoming a tradition for past Olympic stars like Libby Trickett or Michael Klim to line up themselves for a swim, then present a current batch of Olympians with the annual trophies, like Chelsea Gubecka, Kareena Lee, or Jarrod Poort. That’s an honour that most ocean swim participants don’t get to experience.
The program at Noosa Main Beach kicks off with the 300m Junior Giants event, specifically for kids aged 8-16 years. Then, the big one, seasoned swimmers get to push their limits in the Noosa 5.0, a marathon distance swim which also attracts the best in the business with an eye on the prizemoney.
But it’s the shorter distances which attract the masses – 1km and 2km – these events see a huge range of abilities line up, from serious triathletes in training, to groups of mates taking on their first ocean swim.
If you need proof that this is one worth putting in the diary, just check out the photos from past events, or the amazing aerial footage – it’s like a course preview!
So, whether it’s swimming or shopping, surfing and sightseeing, Noosa will cover all bases. Hastings Street is lined with great shopping and exquisite cuisine that will please even the fussiest of family members. Over the hill in Noosa Junction and Sunshine Beach, there are new eateries and bars popping up that wouldn’t sit out of place in Byron Bay or Bondi – this is the Noosa you might not expect, but need to experience.
The Noosa National Park is a renowned longboard hotspot with point breaks ideal for beginners – be sure to pack your board, you won’t be disappointed.
So, pack your bags and join thousands of Queenslanders and a host of special guests on the Noosa start line for February 21
More information and online entries available at: https://worldseriesswims.com.au/
