However, due to testing sea conditions the whole event had to be contested within the bay.

A smaller 800metre bay swim known as ‘The Jimmy's Splash' was also held in conjunction with the main event and was contested by 26 competitors.

Around 100 swimmers from Sydney to Port Macquarie and way out to Wagga Wagga contested the main event, with visiting swimmer David O'Brien taking out the overall race championship, (800m swim, 600m run and 1200m swim) in a time of 33:48 minutes.

The ladies overall champion was Shelley Barlin, who completed the course in a time of 35:14 minutes.

Winner of the team's event was Team Dunlop, which consisted of three generations of the Dunlop family - William (1st in his age group), Colin (2nd in age group), Connor (6th in age category) and Ian (3rd in category).

Overall winner for the 800m Jimmy's Splash was young local swimmer, Hayley Follett.

Local Surf Club officials were very pleased with the number of swimmers who travelled and supported our first event.

Plans are already underway for next year's swim and hopefully in the future this event will build up to become our major fund raising event for our club, as well as attracting more visitors to our beautiful twin towns.

Club members would like to thank Paul Ellercamp of Oceanswims, the Lions Club, The Grange residents, Rebel Sport, our club members, Hunter Surf Life Saving, Tony Woodfield and the Maritime Services Board, and the Volunteer Coastal Patrol from Nelson Bay for their help and assistance with the smooth running of the day.

It was very much appreciated.