January 29 marked the inaugural K-Rock Ocean Grove swim. Enthused by the preceding day’s blue water challenge a small contingentcy of Belugas found our way to Ocean Grove to battle the surf! The scene differed from that to which we are accustomed, with a live guitarist calming our nerves with his tranquil tunes.

Raoul, Janet and myself completed the 2.5km long course. Albeit the waves were large but once beyond their encompassing swell the swim was superb: a well marked course, clear water and sunshine! Raoul again choosing not to don the wetsuit swam a very impressive 21st of the men…. and while my time may have been marginally faster Raoul assures me this merely reflects my wearing a wetsuit!

Our Beluga friends shone in the 1.2km event. Anthony Purcell and Sue Cox both swam 2nd in their age groups, with Sandy 5th, Ale 6th and Liz 6th in their respective events. The show however was stolen by wave-riding super surfer Tracy, who stole the lead and gold metal, riding a wave past her competitors.

Although not (yet) a Beluga, special mention should go to Xaiver Purcell winning his age group…. he will in good time be known as fast Xavier.