Yara Burrup Classic open-water swim kicks of first round of WA’s largest open water series at Hearson Cove

A picturesque peninsula in the Pilbara hosted WA’s top swimmers for the first round of the nation’s largest open water series on the weekend. Held at Hearson Cove on Saturday, the annual Yara Burrup Classic open-water swim kicked off the opening round of the Swimming WA Open Water Swimming Series. Swimming WA chief executive Sophie Row said it was fantastic to see a variety of competitors. “From young children right through to some of our leading open-water swimmers in the country and it’s fantastic to have that diversity here,” she said. This year’s 5km swim category was named in honour of Matthew Porter, who passed away in Hearson Cove early this year. The 5km female category winner Rosie Wilson said she was happy with how she competed, despite the tough conditions in the water. “It was pretty hard to see the boys but I think I still did pretty good and I’ll join again next year,” she said. The 5km male category winner Jack Wilson said it felt good to have won a special race. O2 Marine representative Chris Lane said Swimming WA had put on a great event. “This event was a great opportunity to remember Matt and support the local community too,” he said. Round two of the OWS series is on October 23 at Leighton Beach, Fremantle.