Avalon Beach SLSC is gearing up for the return of Around the Bends, the annual swim challenge from Newport to Avalon. This year’s event, however, will have a few changes but it will still be a fun workout for adults and kids with the beautiful Northern Beaches as the backdrop.
Set for Sunday, 21 March 2021, Around the Bends will start at Newport at 8:00 a.m. with the 2.5 kilometres swim challenge to Avalon, whilst another competition will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a shorter distance of 1.2 kilometres.
Participants must take note of the courses:
| DISTANCE | ROUTE |
| Newport to Avalon (2.5km) | – Starts at the northern end of Newport Beach – Head out around the headland, past Bilgola Beach, then past another headland into Avalon |
| Avalon (1.2km) | – Starts at the northern end of the beach – North Avalon Express – Head out to southern headland to around the middle of the beach and then straight in towards the clubhouse |
The Newport to Avalon route is open for swimmers above 13 years old, whilst the journey off Avalon Beach is perfect for 10-year-old kids and above.
Parents who are swimming with minors will need to fill out an online entry for their children before the event. Due to the pandemic threats, this year’s Around the Bends will be strictly registered. Swimmers who have not submitted their online confirmation by Saturday, 20 March 2021, at 3:00 p.m., will not be allowed to join on race day.
A special division will be opened for Back of the Pack, for groups who want to enjoy a more relaxing time in the water as their time won’t be recorded. The Back of the Pack won’t be eligible for prizes at the end of the event.
Around the Bends has a $40 entry fee, whether participants are swimming in one or both challenges. Register online to join.