Ocean swim fans – and those who think they want to be – should set their sights on the Sapphire Coast this weekend for the annual Tathra Wharf to Waves.

The swim – on Sunday, January 22 – is being run for the 11th year, and could be seen as the highlight of what promises to be an action-packed weekend on the far south coast of NSW because … wait … there is more!

On Saturday, January 21, there’s a two-kilometre fun run on Tathra Beach, from the Country Club to the Surf Club, while mountain bike enthusiasts will also be in action that day, for a 40km ‘Bega to the Beach’ ride from Bega to the coast.

Experienced triathletes and anyone who wants to give it a shot could sign up for all three activities, but traditionally it is the swim that is the attraction, with organisers expecting well over 500 entrants this year.

Would-be participants can enter one of a series of 600m swims according to their age bracket (eight classes, for age 10 and up) or the 1200m ‘Splash for Cash’ open race (from age 12 and up), which offers a $500 prize for the first male and first female onto the beach.

All the races start from the historic Tathra Wharf, a remnant of the days when steamers carried goods and passengers along the coast. In use from 1862-1952, it was restored by the National Trust and local residents.

A wide range of people have taken part in the event over the last 10 years so entrants might find themselves lining up with seasoned ocean swimmers, AFL footballers and Commonwealth Games medallists, with competitors coming from around Australia on a regular basis.

Safety is a priority for the organisers, and the swim course is under the watchful eye of a big team of experienced lifesavers, however the onus is on swimmers to correctly assess their fitness and capability and enter the event accordingly.

Entries for the swim can be done on line (http://www.tathrawharf2waves.com) until January 19, or in person until the day of the event.

Located on the far south coast of NSW, Tathra is a popular town on the Sapphire Coast, which is three hours’ drive from Canberra via Cooma or a six/seven-hour drive from either Melbourne or Sydney. There are also regular daily flights from Melbourne or Sydney via REX Airlines into Merimbula, and regular inter-city bus services.