Safety concerns over a strong easterly wind prompted organisers to move the annual Bridport ocean swim from the old pier east to the town's channel area.
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A field of 47 competitors, aged from 10 to 69, braved blustery conditions to compete over distances of 500m, 1km and 2km.
Isaac Malley, 16, of Burnie, was first over the line in Sunday's 2km Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series event, in a time of 22 minutes and 28 seconds.
Senior master Andrew Fischer, 51, was second, 33 seconds later, with Hobart's Sienna Palser, 15, third, just 38 seconds behind the winner.
Palser is an accomplished competitive swimmer and state representative who trains with HC Swim Club.
"I find ocean swimming more exciting as you have to stay focused and stay on course so you don't end up swimming an extra 500m," she said.
"It's a nice change of scenery to the black line along the bottom of the pool, though I can't say I enjoy the freezing waters and salty taste."
Palser described the Bridport conditions as rough and windy but with stunning views.
"I was quite pleased with my result as it was only my second ocean swim ever, and I'm proud of everyone else who completed the swim as the conditions were relatively difficult and everyone tried their best.
"Some friends and I decided to enter this swim because it's part of the ocean swim series, and because my grandparents have a house in Bridport, so it was a good reason to come and see them. I'm already excited for next year's swim."
The event was on the same day as the St Helens triathlon and open water racing at the Hobart regatta, both of which attracted competitors who regularly compete in the ocean swim series.
Still to come in ocean series are races at Port Sorell on March 14, Seven Mile Beach on March 28 and Blackmans Bay to Kingston Beach on March 29.
Sunday's swim was a fundraiser for the Bridport Surf Life Saving Club whose volunteers provide between-the-flags patrols, a first aid station, and junior development activities over summer. Club fundraising and sponsorship also supports year-round marine rescues.
Results
2000m, Overall: Isaac Malley 1, Andrew Fischer 2, Sienna Palser 3; Female: Sienna Palser 1, Beccy Macdonald 2, Amanda Duggan 3; Junior female: Sienna Palser 1, Beccy Macdonald 2, Sophia Macdonald 3; Male: Isaac Malley 1, Andrew Fischer 2, Jack Luttrell 3; Junior male: Isaac Malley 1, Jack Luttrell 2; Masters female: Megan Wells 1, Kate Munday 2, Anna Sargent 3; Open female: Lucy Cochrane 1, Meg Kerrison 2, Taylah Croucher 3; Senior masters female: Amanda Duggan, 1, Wendy Winzenberg 2. Masters male: Rick Homan 1, Josh Steven 2, Adam Poulton 3; Open male: Ollie Malley; Senior masters male: Andrew Fischer 1, Nick Ackers 2, Scott Anthony 3.
500m overall/500m female/novice female: Ella Fischer 1, Georgia McIntee 2, Miranda Hevey, 3; 500m male/novice male: Liam Luttrell 1, Joseph Farrell, 2. 1km overall: Brianna Taber 1, Warwick Green 2, Grace Culhane 3; 1km female/1km junior female: Brianna Taber 1, Grace Culhane 2, Lucy Dennis 3; 1km male/1km masters male: Warwick Green 1, Cory Dean 2.
DIARY
- Feb 15-16: Sprint and relay championships, Launceston.
- Feb 22: Time trial, Hobart.
- Feb 23: Time trial, Launceston.
- March 5-9: Swimming Tas state long course championships, Hobart.
- March 14: Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series, Port Sorell.
- March 14-15: Masters Tas summer long course championships, Hobart.
- March 28: Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series, Seven Mile Beach.
- March 29: Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series, Blackmans Bay to Kingston Beach.
- May 16-17: MS 24 hour mega swim, Launceston Aquatic Centre.
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