Around 50 people swam in the main Bay to Breakers event which was slightly altered this year because of the rough waves on Bennett’s Beach on the day.

Bennett’s Beach was closed to the public for a short time during the Sunday because of rough surf.

The course was also altered for a similar reason the first year it was held.

“It is a good thing about living here, it can’t get cancelled because there is always an alternative,” Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving member Debbie Booth said.

The main event entailed entrants to swim 800m along the bay, run 600m along the beach before completing a 1km swim to finish the race.

Fifteen-year-old Hayden Collins was first over the finish line followed by Troy Ham (17).

“It is great to see so many young competitors coming through,” Ms Booth said.

He trained for the event in the pool, training six or seven times a week.

“It was pretty good, it was a tough race,” Hayden said.

Hayden finished the course in a time of 32 minutes and 56 seconds.

Bay to Breakers was his second beach swim.

Winner for the past two years was David O’Brian who came in third this year.

Carrington sisters Rochelle and Elizabeth Bird were the first and second ladies to cross the line respectively.

New to the course this year was the G-Shock Dash for Cash.

Casio G-Shock watches sponsored the event with representative Sean Murphy attending the day.

Hunter Surf Lifesaving provided the jet skis for use on the water to monitor the swimmers.

Bay to Breakers 2008 T-Shirts are available through the surf club.