The 2km Dave Winner Beach to Bombie Swim will come to Coalcliff on Saturday, 16 November 2025, writes Coalcliff SLSC's Rob Deacon

Introducing The New Great Swim of the South — a refreshed, professionally run ocean swim experience with heart, soul, and a whole lot of surf club spirit.

The Dave Winner Beach to Bombie Swim isn’t just about ocean fitness; it’s a celebration of community, coastal beauty, and the inspiring legacy of one of Coalcliff’s own. Named in honour of Coalcliff SLSC Life Member Dave Winner, this 2km swim is fast becoming a standout event on the ocean swim calendar.

The course begins on the sand at Coalcliff Beach, sending swimmers out to the legendary Bombie reef break, before rounding the marker buoys and heading back to shore. Set against the stunning backdrop of the NSW South Coast, it’s a salty, scenic challenge that’s as rewarding as it is iconic.

Now professionally timed and fully supported

As part of its evolution into a premier ocean swim, the event is now supported by The Timing Guys, featuring ankle tag timing for precise results and seamless race tracking.

Swimmer safety is paramount, with full Surf Life Saving support throughout the entire swim. That includes:

• IRBs that follow the swimmers from start to finish

• Jet skis, drones, and rescue boards – all actively tracking and supporting swimmers along the entire course

This is a swim designed to challenge and inspire, while ensuring peace of mind every stroke of the way.

Whether you’re an experienced surf swimmer or someone stepping up for a personal challenge, this event delivers the perfect balance of adventure and assurance.

Honouring Dave Winner

In 2021, Dave survived a near-fatal surfing accident at Coalcliff that left him a partial quadriplegic. Thanks to quick-thinking bystanders and their CPR efforts, he was pulled from the water and airlifted to safety.

Since then, Dave has continued to serve as Patrol Captain, chief training officer, and a driving force within the club. His resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment are at the heart of this swim. It’s a tribute to his legacy, and to the community that rallied around him.

More than just a swim

Expect a festive vibe, friendly faces, and the kind of post-swim connection that lingers long after you’ve left the beach. Afterwards, join Dave and the crew for lunch at Coledale RSL — because sharing stories is part of the tradition, too.

The event is proudly supported by Ohana Ocean Athletics, Equilibrium Healthcare andThe Timing Guys. We thank our partners for their ongoing support and commitment to surf sports, community health, and coastal culture.

Online registration is now open – don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly special. Click here to register