What makes an open water swimming event truly accessible?

In this episode of The Science & Art of Open Water Swimming, I speak with Sam Moore, one of the driving forces behind the GeoBay Swim, a unique 20 km point-to-point swim from Dunsborough to Busselton that has quickly become a favourite on the Western Australian open water swimming calendar.

Sam shares the story of how the event grew from an idea during Ironman WA training sessions in Geographe Bay, and how a chance conversation led him to discover that coach Mick Bray had created a similar swim years earlier. We explore how that original concept evolved into the GeoBay Swim we know today.

We discuss:

  • The origins and history of the GeoBay Swim
  • The influence of Mick Bray and the local swimming community
  • Why the event doesn't require support boats
  • The unique "beach party" changeover format
  • Stopping the clock and encouraging a more social relay experience
  • Wetsuits, inclusion, and reducing barriers to participation
  • GeoBay's role as a stepping stone to swims such as Rottnest and Port to Pub
  • Why the event continues to grow and recently sold out
  • The future of the event, including potential shorter-distance options

More broadly, this conversation explores how thoughtful event design can help more people experience the challenge, community and enjoyment of open water swimming.

Links

GeoBay Swim

  • https://www.geobayswim.com.au/

GeoBay Swim on Instagram

  • https://www.instagram.com/geobayswim/

GeoBay Swim on Facebook

  • https://www.facebook.com/geobayswim

Parkinson's WA

  • https://www.parkinsonswa.org.au/

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If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, your swim squad, or anyone interested in open water swimming.

 

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

 

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