The Cooly Classic is the most iconic open water swimming competition held on the Gold Coast.
Every year, elite swimmers flock to this event to compete and also to conquer three of the country’s most challenging surf breaks: Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta and Kirra.
Cooly Classic Ocean Swim, 2023 Dates Coolangatta, Gold Coast
Your Start line, Snapper Rocks, is one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. Then, your course is a straight line to Kirra Beach, passing Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Coolangatta Beaches as you swim.
Regardless of which distance you choose, you’re guaranteed to experience the crystal clear waters of Southern Gold Coast in autumn and that’s a must-do for any swimmer.
Please note that for 2022, there have been some changes to the 3.0km & 5.0km course format to ensure these courses do not overlap with Surf Life Saving Australia events, now being held at North Kirra Beach.
The 5.0km marathon distance swim will be an extension of the current 3.0km course, with swimmers making a turn near the North Kirra SLSC and returning to Kirra Beach.
If you’re a seasoned ocean swimmer, sometimes 2.0km just isn’t enough, push your limits in the 3.0km long course. The new course will follow the 2.0km point to point format with an extra leg added beyond Kirra Point.
The Cooly Classic 2.0 is, without a doubt, the main event and always attracts a big crowd. Starting at the popular Snapper Rocks surf break, the course follows the coast north passing Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Coolangatta en route to the finish at legendary Kirra Beach.
The Cooly 1000 is a 1.0km short course option from Coolangatta to Kirra Beach. This is a perfect introduction for less experienced ocean swimmers and retains the popular point-to-point format.
The Junior Giants event is a great opportunity for kids aged 10 years to 16 years to compete with other swimmers their own age. They also encourage family and friends to share the experience and swim the course alongside the kids – you’ll need to enter this event too. The 1000m event will use the same course format as the 1000m Short Course event starting at Coolangatta Beach.
Pre-registration is preferred, however, you can enter on the day. Limited places will be available and a late entry fee will apply.
The Cooly Classic Ocean Swim is usually held during Australia’s autumn months. It finishes around noon, yet there are plenty of activities to enjoy after the race including swimming, beach games and water sports.
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