Swim around Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour 2.5k
Hot day in Sydney, no wind, warm water
Water a bit murky but clean, didn't see many jellyfish.
I was able to swim at a strong consistent pace the whole way, tried to quicken at the end but couldn't go any faster.
Time 47:04
5 minutes faster than my time for this swim last year.
3 comments:
Hi,
I'm trying to get some idea of the swim from Cocktoo Island to Sydney Harbour for a short story I'm writing about Fred Ward's escape in 1863.
I've heard those waters are shark-infested but I'm guessing that must be a myth if there are regular swims around the area.
Is there anything else you can tell me about your experience? How do you think it would have felt to make the swim at night?
Many thanks
Kristi
Hi, Yes there are a some organised open water swims every year in Sydney Harbour. Generally the harbour swims are considered safer than the ocean swims because the conditions are more predictable.
Sharks do live in Sydney Harbour and are caught there all year round. Bull Sharks are more likely to be seen chasing schools of fish in the warmer summer months. Nevertheless it would be unusual for a swimmer to encounter a shark during an organised swim in the harbour. It would not be a good idea to swim in the harbour at night.
I believe it was dangerous to swim in Sydney Harbour in the 19th century when the run-off from tanneries and abbatoirs used to drain into the harbour. The authorities may have exagerated the threat a little to discourage prisoners from swimming off the island.
Thanks, I hadn't realised that the tanneries and abbatoirs drained into the harbour. That's got to make for revolting swimming conditions in itself.
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