2026 Cooly Classic - Conditions Update

Hi Swimmers

We held a conditions assessment at all our beaches this morning with our Surf Life Saving partners.

Conditions today are very stable and all courses could be offered currently. There is good surf on the points, but no strong currents or high winds which is in our favour. 

The forecast for tomorrow is predicting an increase in swell size throughout the day, which is likely to make Snapper Rocks & Rainbow Bay unsuitable to start events.

Kirra Beach is more protected from the Southerly swell and we are confident that alternative courses can be offered here, even with an increase in swell.

Below are the changes that will be made, so that we can offer a safe swim course for all participants.

• An alternate 1km & 2m course will be offered, starting at either Coolangatta or Kirra Beach (final conditions assessment at 06:30 tomorrow)
  
• There will be no 3km & 5km course - 3km & 5km swimmers will be automatically moved to the 2.0km event (the same wave start groups and age groups apply)
• You will have the option to transfer to the 1.0km event when you Check-in
• 1.0km Start time moves earlier - see updated Wave Start Group times below
• Alternative Course Map below for likely course tomorrow (course finalised after conditions assessment at 06:30 tomorrow)
• No shuttle buses are provided - Coolangatta Beach is a short 15 min walk from the Kirra event site

We want to reduce the distance and body of water that our Surf Life Saving teams have to manage in these conditions.

We also want to reduce the duration of the event for all swimmers, as strong surf conditions will be more demanding for everyone.

Thank you for your patience this week as we all waited to see how the forecast plays out.  See you tomorrow!

Team WSS