The under 30s were first off the mark at midday and headed off round the 1.5km course under the watchful eye of Pacific Palms Surf Club members and members of other surf clubs who provided plenty of water safety to look after swimmers during the race. 

They were followed five minutes later by the large over 30s group.

The youngsters dominated the major placings, with the first male over the line under 14 Hayden Cotter in a time of 17:59, followed closely by 14 to 18-year-olds Tristan Hollard (18:07) and Forster swimmer Connor Shakespeare (18:08). 

In the women’s events, 14-18 year old Maddison Carnegie followed on from last year’s win to again take out first place in a time of 18:34, with Gabrielle Grieves (18:43) from the same age group close behind. Third woman over the line was former local Maddison Murray from the 19-29 age group in a time of 19:22. 

Other locals to place well in the event were Layne Grant (20:45, first woman under 14), Nat Heath (23:50, fifth man 19-29 years), Dane Higman (24:18, sixth man 19-29 years), Allira Richardson (19:32, second woman 19-29 years), Steven Elliott (22:29, fourth man 30-39), Belinda Gray (29:35, third woman 30-39 years), Laura Thurtell (20:20, first woman 40-49 years), Carol Richards (37:08, third woman 60-69 years), Bruce Collins (24:49, third man 60-69 years) and John Koorey (22:21, first man 70-plus years).

A big thank you to sponsors Pacific Palms Real Estate who made this event possible, and also Classic Holidays and the Pacific Palms Resort for their donation of the holiday raffle prize, which was won by Anne Roberts. 

Thank you also to club members and members of other surf clubs, who helped out with water safety, the barbecue, taking entries, officiating on the finish line and all the many other jobs required to run a successful event.