Hugh Platts leaves the water after his swim from the Tathra Wharf.
THE Tathra Wharf to Waves event of the long weekend was fantastic, with all categories being very well attended.
Hugh Platts was one Bombala entrant in the 600m 18-29 Year Olds, finishing with a time of 17:12.5.
There were 430 entrants overall swimming the 600m and 1200m ocean swims, with the male 1200m winner being John Fox (15:53.6), and the female winner, Zoe Harris (17:35.8).
120 bike riders left Bega and came over the mountain and through the Mimosa National Parks in the mountain bike ride, arriving at the Tathra Surf Club rather wet but in good spirits.
169 fun runners from five year olds to 75 year olds ran the 2kms of beach at low tide to the delight of other family members cheering them on.
But our few local participants are not the only Bombala connection with the event, with the Tathra Wharf to Waves Organising Committee’s Operations Manager, Linda Badewitz-Dodd originally being from Bombala.
As a spokesperson of the Committee explains, Linda has been the driving force behind the event for the 12 years it has been running.
Tathra Wharf to Waves is run by volunteers spearheaded by Linda, who has the whole community supporting the event – from sponsors, supporters to volunteers to water safety personnel.
The event began as a series of ocean swims but has grown, and over the years has included a Skate and Bike Competition, a 2km Beach Fun Run and a 30k Mountain Bike Ride from Bega to Tathra Surf Club via Dr George Mountain.
The Tathra Wharf to Waves event encapsulates fitness, friendly competition and fun - all on one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
The 600m and 1200m course distances enable swimmers of all age groups to participate. Many families and friends have competitions among themselves, and the event has initiated life-long friendships between locals and visitors who return every year to compete.
The weekend is a major joint fundraiser for both the Tathra Surf Club and the Tathra Preschool, with a donation also given to the local Tathra Rural Fire Service for their assistance in the Fun Run and Bike ride. Over $200,000 has been raised since its inception in 2002.
“To give a brief summary of our latest weekend - 430 swimmers, 120 bike riders, 169 fun runners, 140 volunteers, three happy community groups, and a tired and relieved organising committee!” said Linda.
