Pilbara open water swim set to make waves

The Karratha Leisureplex is the usual spot in town to do laps but a new event being held on the Burrup Peninsula next month will give swimmers a new challenge.

The Yara Burrup Classic open-water swim will be held at Hearson’s Cove on May 11catering for a range of abilities with four course lengths.

The event has been co-ordinated by Swimming WA but its chief executive Darren Beazley gave credit to the local organising committee.

“I’ve been to the Pilbara three times in the last 12 months and one of the things that’s been consistent was a desire to have an open-water swim off the Burrup Peninsula,” he said.

“Robyn Minogue (Swimming WA northern region co-ordinator) found people from surf lifesaving, water polo and swimming who put together this committee and had a real desire to get it off the ground.”

Swimming WA has run the Open Water Swimming Series for 11 years. It has 14 rounds, three of which are regional, and about 6300 participants each year.

Mr Beazley said the Pilbara event won’t be part of the series but they will do a review and next year it may be included.

“This year is a test, a pilot if you like, and we’ll learn a lot from the experience,” he said.

“But based on the enthusiasm and energy we’ve had, we believe it could be quite a big swimming event that could attract people from all over the State.”

The Yara Burrup Classic will have 100m, 250m, 600m and 1.8km options with children as young as seven able to participate.

Register for the swim at openwaterswimming.com.au/yarra-burrup-classic.