Era Beach Ocean Challenge
Due to the recent weather events there has been significant damage to the Coast Track between Garie and Little Garie along with some land slippage in the hill above. As a result of this the Organising Committee were advised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service that this section of the track is closed and will remain closed until the track has been repaired. Although no clear timeline was provided, it was advised that it would be highly unlikely to be completed before the event this Saturday.
As such the Committee came to the conclusion that there was no real viable alternative to safely get the competitors and their belongings along with support crews into and out of Era from Garie and that the event would not be able to proceed.
For the amazing people who have already registered, per our Terms and Conditions registration fees will not be refunded but we will offer a discounted fee of $10 on next year’s event. A discount code will be emailed when the 2023 race opens for registrations.
Similarly for those who pre-purchased race merchandise, this will be posted to you in the next week.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding through this time, the National Park was hit particularly hard by the weather event and all three communities in the area are still counting the cost and repairing damage.
Should you have any questions regarding this announcement please email erabeachswim@gmail.com
Planning has already commenced for a bigger and better event in 2023 so please stay tuned for further updates.
Regards,
EBOCOC
Take a step back in time & enter the Era Beach Ocean Challenge, it is a one of a kind event that you will want to tick off your bucket list.
Starting Line: Garie Beach
The 2.2km swim starts at Garie Beach and runs south into Royal National Park finishing at Era Beach. The course takes swimmers over areas usually reserved for divers and certainly not part of any regular swimming course.
To take part, competitors must be at least 16 years of age and must be confident in the ocean. If the seas are high, getting off the beach at Garie may pose difficult challenge for swimmers.
Era Beach is a secluded beach in the Royal National Park with no road access. For those not swimming – it’s a walk in & walk out.
Swimmers will be provided with a small bag to place shoes, cap, wallet and keys in. This will be carried into Era Beach for the walk back to Garie Beach Carpark.
Registrations will begin at 8.00am and the first group of competitors will start at 9.00am.
This event – being run by the Surf Club with support from members of the Heritage Listed local cabin Community is a perfect way for you to get a glimpse of life in the early to mid 1900’s.
Swim course
The Era Beach Ocean Challenge is a unique open water event.
The 2.2km swim takes competitors from Garie Beach, past the Little Garie Cabin Community, past the North Era Campgrounds & into Era Beach. The course takes swimmers over rock shelves that fed the community during the depression.
Athletes must be 16 years and above to do the open water event and must be confident in rough conditions. If sees are high the course can be challenging.
Swim results will be available here at the conclusion of the event.
While you’re there
Era Beach is reached by an approx. 2 to 2.5 kms walk from Garie Beach and houses a Surf Club formed in 1938 & a Cabin Community which has existed since the 1920’s when the land was originally farmland. Cabins surround the beach and provide a glimpse of life back to the mid 1900’s.
There is quite a bit of history in the area and of course the wildlife – deer, wallabies, echidna & a raft of other creatures you may come across on the day.
The surf club will offer a tour of a couple of cabins for those interested.
Please note Era Beach is a secluded beach in the Royal National Park with no road access and no EFTPOS facility, so please bring cash along.
Travel and parking
With very limited parking at Garie Beach and an entry fee for entering the Royal National Park you would be well advised to car pool or arrange buses on the day. Enter the Royal National Park at Sutherland, Waterfall or Otford and proceed to Garie Rd to the beach carpark.
Further information on parking in the Royal National Park can be found here.
Register at the link below. We look forward to seeing you at the beach!
If you have any further questions, please email the Ocean Swim Committee at Erabeachswim@gmail.com
Watch all the action from last year! ????
