By TONY FROST
THE Byron Bay Winter Whales conducted their 27th annual 2.5-kilometre ocean swim from Wategos Beach to Main Beach on Sunday 4 May.
A 30km/h westerly wind whipped up choppy seas, seriously challenging the 1631 swimmers who braved such conditions.
Noosa was represented by swimmers from Noosa Masters Swim Club and Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, all well prepared for the occasion.
Masters Club swimmers: Dyanna Benny, Jan Croft, Anne Gripper, Bardie Gruber, Stephanie Jones, Grindle Rudder, Adele Tucker, Eulah Varty, Tony Frost, John Havilah and Ian Tucker.
Noosa Heads SLSC sent Julie Fidler, Gina Lynch, Phoebe McCubbery, Rob Harney and Peter Fidler.
Female age group place getters: 50-54 years, Gina (1st); 55-59 years, Stephanie (2nd); 60-64 years, Dyanna (3rd); 65-69 years, Bardie (2nd); 70-74 years, Jan (1st).
Male age group place getters: 75-79 years, John (2nd).
Noosa Masters Swim Club coach Jan Croft was full of praise for the swimmers completing 2.5 kilometres in such challenging conditions.
“That was not for the faint-hearted,” Jan said.
