By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE swimmers took to the sea on Saturday, 10 January, in the challenging Pier to Pub, the world’s largest open water swim.
Around 4300 competitors took part in the 1.2 kilometre event.
Broken into groups by age and approximately 200 per wave, five minutes apart, the start spread to just over two hours.
Frank Hayes, Healesville Swimming Club coach and veteran of 17 Pier to Pub swims, said the earlier groups swam against the tide but otherwise conditions were favourable.
The first groups away were the junior girls and boys aged 12 to 17, seven of whom train with the club.
“They all seemed to be pleased with their swims and enjoyed what is still the world’s largest open water swim,” Mr Hayes said.
Luke Thomas and Rien Low chalked up their 10th swim, officially qualifying for as members of Lorne’s Shark Bait Club.
Mike Thomas had his 18th swim and Mr Hayes his 17th. Both are aiming at the 30-year club.
In other HSC achievements, local twins Tamara and Travis Groves competed in the Junior Victorian State Championships earlier this month.
Tamara, now training at Nunawading and Healesville, competed in six events and both she and Travis recorded some best times.
Mr Hayes said he is very pleased with their progress.
Pier to Pub results
Junior Males 12-17
62nd Ben Vaux 18min 11sec
111th Ryan Vaux 20min 59sec
112th Travis Greves 21min 00sec
Junior Females 12-17
41st Tamara Greves 18min 09sec
67th Tess Mellows 20min 13sec
68th Georgia Murty 20min 13sec
75th Casey Wright 20min 47sec
Open Males 18-29
92nd Luke Thomas 16min 50sec
Open Females 18-29
75th Liz Kay 18min 40sec
121st Lara Cann 19min 43sec
199th Teagan Thom 21min 49sec
Senior Males 30-39
124th Andrew Moore 19min 30sec
171st Rien Low 20min 10sec
Masters Male 40-49
141st Mike Thomas 19min 00sec
Masters Female 40-49
43rd Heather Pitt 22min 34sec
Veteran Male 50-59
113th Frank Hayes 19min 51sec
201st Phil Vaux 21min 54sec
Veteran Female
14th Christine Dettman 20min 07sec
Mountain to Surf 8km Cross Country Run
Open
Lara Cann 39min 39sec
Junior Girls
Georgia Murty 45min 00sec
