The Dave Winner Beach to Bombie Swim - Sunday 16 November 2025

Webmaster
Sep 16
3 min read

Updated: Oct 2

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

A swim with soul – from beach to Bombie and back

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.

What to bring/wear Swimming costume, goggles to swim with and a hat, sunscreen and clothing for sun protection and warmth before and after the swim. Only bring a small bag for your belongings and leave your valuables at home. You will be provided with a commemorative swim cap on the day.

Online registration is now open

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly special.

Online registration closes at 3pm Saturday 15 November - $30.00

Register in person on the day up to 11.15am - $40.00

SCHEDULE – Sunday 16 November 2025

Time	Activity	Location
From 09.00am	Sign in and pick up swim cap and ankle timer	Coalcliff clubhouse
11.00am	Safety briefing	Lawn behind Coalcliff Sandbags
11.15am	Beach to Bombie Swim	Beach start line
12.15pm	Winners presentation	Lawn behind Coalcliff Sandbags
1.00pm onwards	Join Dave for lunch	Coledale RSL

CONTACT

For all event enquiries, please contact the Event Manager and Club Captain Rob Deacon on 0410 578 144.

The Coalcliff Lifeguard Challenge will be in March 2026