As water and air temperatures begin to fall, and swimmers begin to pack away their gear until the next summer, there is a group making preparations for the winter swimming season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Forster Mudcrabs Winter Swim Club, which was established in 1980, will begin its season with a meet and greet day on Sunday, April 18 from 8.30-10am.
While memberships have steadily risen in recent years, the club is determined to bring in as many new faces as possible to build on the spirit and friendships that have been formed over the past 41 years.
If ever you have family or friends move to town and they would like to meet some new people and become part of the community, you'll always find a mate with the Muddies.
It has also enjoyed a rich history of members enjoying a Sunday swim and barbecue and donating money back into the Forster Tuncurry community.
Local legends such as Ron Hanson, Peter Sanders, Gary McQuillan, Paddy Byrnes, Rod Hallet, Peter Emerton, John Lowry and Mick Hall were all part of the original committee and the club was originally named the Cold Tooths.
During the past 30 plus years the club as produced a number of national champions - Mick Hall, Andrew Hunter, Russell Jackson and Bob Ford - while outstanding local swim coach, Peter Sanders has been club champion an outstanding 26 times.
Standing firmly behind the club has been its long-time original sponsor, the Lakes and Oceans Hotel, Forster.
The hotel has always given the Mudcrabs the best hospitality and generosity, and displays the noticeboard and honour board, and allows club member to raise funds through the sale of raffle tickets.
All swimmers are handicapped to their ability and the camaraderie and social interaction of the members are the club's priority.
Club membership is made up of a cross section of the community from a variety of occupations and age groups.
A good sense of humour and the ability to swim 50 metres is all that is required.
We have a wide-ranging membership from our little youngsters through to our full male and female members aged from 18 to 85 plus years.
Club members swim every Sunday from 9am at the Forster Main Beach Ocean Baths with one 50 metre swim, one 30 metre swim and sometimes a relay or novelty swim.
Then everyone moves to the Forster Surf Lifes Saving Club for a warm home cooked soup by one of the club's members and a barbecue breakfast on the verandah overlooking Forster Main Beach.
It does not get any better than that, so if you want a fantastic Sunday morning join the Mudcrabs.
New members are always welcome.
This season begins on Sunday, May 2 at 9am at the Forster Bullring.
Any queries at all, please contact Matthew Manning 0412 410 379
Keep ahead of local news - here's how:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter:
- Follow us on Instagram