After two years of rough conditions that forced the Yamba Ocean Swim to be held at Whiting Beach, smaller surf this year saw the event return to its spiritual home of Main Beach with almost a record number of entries.
The Yamba Ocean Swim began in 1998, when Barry Cribb organised the event and about 50 competitors took part, and in 2024, race organiser Jim Dougherty of Yamba Surf Club said they had 394 entrants, just three short of the 2023 record when 397 people entered.
“Conditions were ideal for the event at Main Beach with a small surf and light south easterly breeze resulting in a big turnout of swimmers and spectators,” Mr Dougherty said.
“There were 265 starters in the 700m race from Convent Beach, and 186 in the more challenging 2km race over a rectangular course stretching from Lone Rock to Lovers Point.”
Mr Dougherty said entrants competed in the Men’s and Women’s categories for both the 700m and 2km swims, the Dash for Cash, and various age group categories where Yamba Surf Club members won many divisions.
“Last year’s winner, 24-year-old Bailey Armstrong from the Sunshine Coast won both the 700m and 2km swims again,” Mr Dougherty said.
“Bailey used the event as a warmup for the 2024 World Championships in Doha commencing on January 25 where he will contest the Open Water 5km race as a member of the Australian Dolphins team.
“In the women’s events, the 700m swim winner was 16-year-old Tayla O’Shannesy from the Sunshine Coast and the 2km winner was 17-year-old Lilly Geddes from Coffs Harbour.”
Crowds gathered on Main Beach for the excitement of the Dash for Cash, as men and women competed for the chance to win $100.
“The Men’s winner was 39-year-old Yamba club member Alan Dunne who again out surfed the younger stars to claim his third victory in the last 5 years in this event,” Mr Dougherty said.
“The Women’s event was won by 16-year-old Evans Head swimmer Abbie Yourell, just ahead of 12-year-old Yamba nipper Willow Rowney.”
Mr Dougherty said Yamba Surf Club members enjoyed success in a variety of age divisions.
“In the 2km swim Alan Dunne won 30/39 years age division, Joe Fahey won the 50/59 years, Peter Rheinberger the 60/69 years, Jim Schafer the 70 years plus, Frances Aird the 30/39 years women’s, Jeunesse Meldrum the 40/49 years women’s and Bobbie Winger the 70 years plus women’s race,” he said.
“In the 700m race, Jay Adams won the 20/29 years, Hugh Dougherty the 40/49 years, Peter Rheinberger the 60/69 years and Jeunesse Meldrum the 40/49 years race.”
Mr Dougherty said the 2024 Yamba Ocean Swim was a very successful day with great participation by the community and close to record entries.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our club members in organising the day and helping with various jobs while ensuring all competitors were safe in the water,” he said.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 10 January 2024.
