Hundreds of long-distance swimmers will converge on Mandurah’s Town Beach for round 10 of Swimming WA’s Open Water Series early next month.
Competitors will take on distances of 500m, 1.25km, 2.5km and 5km in the penultimate round of the series.
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The sport of open water swimming has grown exponentially across Western Australia in recent years, with the annual Mandurah event becoming more popular each year.
Mandurah Masters Swimming Club captain and open water enthusiast Jennifer Rollin-Busby remarked at the growth of the sport, and the success of Dawesville local Rebekah Weller, who was recently the first female over the line out of an impressive 1700 swimmers at the Busselton Jetty Swim.
“Many swimmers in Mandurah and surrounding areas are choosing to compete in open water,” she said.
“While your average person may not consider a swim as big as a solo Rottnest Channel crossing, there are many social and physiological benefits to embarking on smaller events.
“We are home to one of the best open water swimmers in WA in Rebekah Weller along with a fantastic pool and amazing beaches to train at right on our doorstep.
“Rebekah’s greatest talent is her commitment to the sport, she is an inspiration to all young and more mature open water swimmers in the area, having just placed seventh in Australia at the National Competition for the 10km marathon event in Adelaide.
“Many of our locals are now gearing up for the Rottnest Channel Swim and the Port to Pub in teams, duos, and solos.”
Mrs Rollin-Busby encouraged keen swimmers or people looking to challenge themselves to give the open water format a crack.
“I started training little over two years ago and have made so many friends as well as sharing in the joy of accomplishments of my swimming peers, mainly Rebekah who has completed a physiotherapist degree all while remaining committed to her elite open water career,” she said.
“She has pushed and inspired me to achieve my swimming goals.”
Registrations are still open for round 10 of the Open Water Series in Mandurah, which will take place on Monday, March 5.
For more information or to register for the event visit openwaterswimming.com.au
