Sea Eels wrap up winter swims
The Stanwell Park Sea Eels' 38th winter swimming season was filled with sunny swims, friendly rivalry and plenty of laughs at Coalcliff Pool
By Peter McDonald, president of Stanwell Park Sea Eels Winter Swimming Club
The Stanwell Park Sea Eels have wrapped up their 38th winter swimming season, with only the Christmas drinks on 6 December left to celebrate. It’s been a season of sunny swims, friendly rivalry, and plenty of laughs at Coalcliff Pool.
Water temperatures stayed between 15 and 18°C, perfect for everyone. Six new members joined this year and are already looking forward to 2026.
The Sea Eels’ inter-club swims included a visit to the Bulli Sea Lions and the ever-popular day with the Bondi Icebergs ladies, who generously donated $1000 to the CRAM Foundation. “Bring a Friend Day” with Cronulla and Era swim clubs saw the Sea Eels proudly win the annual relay. The club also welcomed the Jervis Bay Wobbegongs and competed with Kurranulla clubs at Cronulla.
At the South Coast Winter Swimming Association Championships, the Sea Eels finished second overall, with Ben Stacpoole setting two new records in the Open and Over 30s sprints.
The Club Championships showcased talent across all ages: Sam Hobden won the Open, Kerrie-Lee Lord the Women’s Open, Ben Stacpoole the Over 30s, Christine McDonald the Over 40s, Kerrie-Lee Lord the Over 50s, Graham Standen the Over 60s, and Peter McDonald the Over 70s, who also took the Slippery Eel for the second year running. Gary Marshall and Cate Burton shared the Soup Excellence award, and the Golden Boot went to Steve Clarke.
Ben Stacpoole was named Club Member of the Year, recognised for his results and encouragement of new members.
Twenty-three members travelled to the Australian Championships at Maroochydore, where Ben added bronze in the Men’s Over 30s sprint, with strong performances across finals and relays. The Sea Eels were voted “best dressed,” thanks to Christine McDonald and sponsorship from Raine & Horne Real Estate Helensburgh.
Thanks to members and visitors, the club donated $2000 to the CRAM Foundation this season. A big thank you to all members for their friendship and generosity, and special thanks to Marg and Peter Hunt and Sandra McDonald for all they do behind the scenes.
The Sea Eels welcome all local residents and surf club members, a friendly club that loves a cool swim and a warm laugh. See you at Coalcliff Pool any Sunday from April to September 2026.
