Full field for Wreck2Reef expected

The 300 metre Junior Dash for Cash will return at the Wreck2Reef this summer for the first time since 2020. (Mark Heenan Media)

Wreck2Reef organisers are confident of hosting a full program of open water swims this weekend – the first time in three years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wreck2Reef, Indented Head Yacht Club’s biggest annual fundraiser, is on this Saturday February 11.

The 300 metre junior Dash for Cash returns, while the 800 metre Novice Swim replaces the 500 metre event from 2020 and the 1.2km and 2.5km swims will run.

The Wreck2Reef is the final open water swim on the Bellarine this summer after the Ocean Grove SLSC open water swim festival was cancelled on Australia Day on January 26.

Wreck2Reef race director Andrew Dix said it was pleasing a full schedule of swims is back on the agenda for the first time since 2020.

“This year will be the first year we have run the full program since before COVID – so that’s something we are looking forward to,” he said.

“From our perspective it is obviously something people like to do, we will do whatever we can to make sure we put the day on.

“The die-hard swimmers, all they want to do is get out and swim and they will look for every opportunity and we don’t want to let them down.”

Mr Dix said swimmers still had time to register for the Wreck2Reef up and until the day of the event as registrations increased throughout late January and early February.

“People can register on the day up and till one hour before their event start time, but (they) must do it online, no paper registrations will be accepted,” he said.

Registrations received from midnight Friday February 10 will cost an extra $10 per event.

Competitor numbers will be capped at 300 and registrations will close once this number is reached.

The Wreck2Reef official wave start times include the 2.5km event for a 9.30am start, the 300 metre Junior Dash for Cash starts at 10.30am, the 1.2km swim category opens from 10.30am while the open 800 metre Novice swim commences at 12.10pm.

To register go to ihyc.com.au/wreck-2-reef-event