Every morning at 8 am, a group of hardy folk gather on the Byron Bay Surf Club deck. Some carry goggles, snorkels, and fins, but most just sport swimmers as they troop along the beach toward the Byron Lighthouse until they reach The Pass. From there, it’s into the water for a refreshing swim across the clear blue water of beautiful Byron Bay. 

This open-water swimming group call themselves the Stingrays. Anyone’s welcome to join in, and best of all, it’s free. The swimmers repeat this impressive feat every day, whatever the weather and some have been doing it for decades!

An ocean swim is undoubtedly a great way to start your day. But having the support of experienced swimmers around you is comforting too. Of course, if you’re not up to the full 1.5-kilometre swim, you can always head back to the beach at any point and walk back. But you never know; you may surprise yourself. And the current will usually help push you along, so if you can manage to stay afloat, you’ll end up back at Main Beach, proud of your accomplishment and ready for a hearty breakfast to celebrate.

If you start the swim now, you’ll be in excellent shape by Sunday 7th May 2023 when the Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic attracts entrants from all over Australia. Prizes are to be won for the Byron Bay Classic Swim from Wategos to Main Beach (approximately 2.2 kilometres) for competitors 12 years and over. And the Byron Bay Mitre 10 Mini Swim – an 800-metre swim from Clarkes Beach – is open to anyone 9 years and up.

As always, this popular fundraising event attracts sponsorship from local and national businesses and is organised by the incredible team at Byron Bay Winter Whales.

Getting involved in ocean swimming is a fantastic way to keep fit, make friends, and create a connection with the ocean. It’s also a great way to engage with the local community in this beautiful place we call home.