Narrabeen ocean swim challenge

The Narrabeen ocean swim challenge is one of the shorter events on the ocean swim circuit, and one that can really get people hooked on the sport.

It’s held on Narrabeen beach on Sydney’s northern beaches, about a half hour drive north of the CBD.

It takes place towards the end of October each year.

This ocean swim has two events, a 1.8km course and an 800m course, and is designed to provide enough of a challenge for experienced ocean swimmers, but an achievable goal for first time competitors.

People can take part in one event, or both, with start times an hour apart.

Swim courses

The two courses in the Narrabeen ocean swim challenge are fairly straight-forward.

The 1.8km swim follows a ‘flat champagne glass’ course, starting with a swim out, before turning north, then a sharp almost 180-degree turn towards the south, another turn north and finally coming back to shore.

The 800m swim follows just the southern part of the course.

Narrabeen itself is a fairly typical beach with shifting banks, gutters, and the occasional rip depending on the size of the swell and the state of the tide.

The course can be altered depending on the conditions of the water.

For those worried about the cold water at the start of October, fear not. Wetsuits are permitted for this swim.

The kiosk will be serving food and drinks before and after the event for swimmers and their families.

800m swim

The 800m swim follows just the southern part of the ‘flat wine glass’ course of the 1.8km main swim.

1.8km full wine glass

The 1.8km swim follows a ‘flat champagne glass’ course, starting with a swim out, before turning north, then a sharp almost 180-degree turn towards the south, another turn north and finally coming back to shore.

While you’re there

Narrabeen is a part of Sydney that’s increasing in popularity.

With Manly becoming ever popular with tourists, locals have begun looking further north towards beaches like Narrabeen to get their kicks.

It provides as beautiful of an experience as the more popular beaches towards the south, but with less crowds.

When you’ve had enough of the beach and the Narrabeen Beach Challenge, the suburb’s Ocean St is also one to explore with boutiques and cafes galore.

One cafe in particular to look out for is Zubi Espresso, serving delicious Campos coffee.

Travel and parking

There’s parking in the horseshoe road behind the surf club, and there are smaller beach carparks scattered up and down the beach. Other than that, there’s on street parking along Ocean St and surrounding streets.

Results

2015 results (1.8km | 800m) | 2016 results