OCEAN swimmers, brave enough to face the cooler water temperatures, are invited to take part in the Forster Tuncurry Mudcrabs Swimming Club’s annual winter competition.
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Swimmers, male, female and juniors of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join the club and enter the competition which will start this Sunday May 3 and run until Sunday September 27.
As part of the competition, swimmers will be awarded points for first, second and third in each heat throughout the year. These points will be accrued throughout the season to determine the point-score champion. The club will then have a club championship day where swimmers compete against others in their respective age bracket.
Member Tim Cusack said the club, which has been around for over 20 years, was for those who enjoyed a swim in the ocean and having a good time.
Outside of the competition, members usually meet at the Ocean Baths, commonly known as the Bullring in Forster every Sunday at 9am for a swim followed by a barbecue breakfast at the Forster Surf Club. Alternatively, members can also be found most mornings at the Bullring from around 8am.
“It’s a great opportunity to have a swim, meet new people and relax on a Sunday morning,” Tim said.
“The Mudcrabs have in excess of 40 members at present and would love to see some new faces this season.
“The water is not as cold as you might think and if you are unsure come down and have a look.
“We have many sponsors throughout the community who contribute tremendously to the running of the club and are greatly appreciated. The Mudcrabs also make valuable contributions to charities and clubs each year.”
On Sundays there is a 50 metre event followed by a 30 metre event. On nominated days there are also team relays and other events that swimmers can be involved in if they wish.
All swims are handicapped based on the individual swimmers ability. Current members range in age from their early teens through to their mid 90’s.
Prizes are awarded for age categories, open events, team events, point-score and nominated time events at the end of year presentation.
The Mudcrabs are a member of the New South Wales Winter Swimming Association.
The club is currently the Northern District Winter Swimming Champions after beating teams from Newcastle and the Central Coast in July 2014 at the Northern District Winter Swimming Championships in Forster. The Mudcrabs will be travelling to Umina this year to defend their title.
For more information visit the club’s Facebook page - Forster Tuncurry Mudcrabs or email forstertuncurrymudcrabs1@gmail.com.