The Tasmanian ocean swim series provides a perfect mix between a competitive environment, and a fun, inclusive community. Tasmania’s stunning beaches creates picturesque race courses for the Tas ocean series to hold events on. Seeing parts of the state that I never knew existed makes for a very enjoyable experience 

Sam Askey-Doran

Male Open Champ!

     

 The combination of beautiful locations, well-run events, community spirit, and personal achievement makes the Tasmanian Open Water Swim Series a standout event for swimming enthusiasts 

Doug Hughson

President Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation

     

 A welcome and inclusive community of like-minded open water swimming enthusiasts. Some come to swim, catch up with mates and share a laugh! Others enjoy the competition and personal challenges. Whatever the motivation, the outcomes are valuable and personal milestones often achieved. Tasmanian swimming destinations are always stunning, often trying, but worth having a dip! 

Wendy Shelton

Dodgy Dipper

     

 Mercury News / Elise Kaine Conditions were a far cry from his record-breaking swim in the tropical waters of Hawaii, but it still did not slow Sam Askey-Doran down. Askey-Doran was the overall winner of the Brooke Street Pier 1200 ocean swim at Seven Mile Beach on Saturday, finishing in 13 minutes and 29 seconds. He said it felt good to “belt out” the 1200m race after training for the Iron Man World Championships in Hawaii, where he recently broke the swim record. “It was very different to racing in Kona,” he said. “With no wetsuits, tropical water and all these tropical fish about.” Askey-Doran has taken out the top spot in the Brooke Street Pier 1200 every year since 2019 and hasn’t been beaten in a Tas Ocean Series swim since March 2019. He said it was great to be back in the water, after taking some time off after Kona. He now plans to get out to as many of the southern races as he can before he heads to New Zealand in March for Iron Man New Zealand. Race organiser Rob Peart said Askey-Doran was the “local hero” but swimmers from interstate and even internationally also joined the race, including one from Laguna Beach California. He said there were 86 competitors at Saturday’s race. Mr Peart said the female overall winner, Lucy Smith, was “one to watch” finishing the 1200m race in 15 minutes and 48 seconds. “She trains very hard, she’s going to go a long way,” he said of the 13-year-old from Penguin. Lucy has been training at Penguin Surf Life Saving Club since under 8s and has been swimming in the pool for five years. “I prefer the surf,” she said. “It’s more fun and I get bored in the pool.” The Ulverstone Secondary College student says she trains in the pool six times a week and tries to get four in the surf.