Get ready for Manly’s iconic ocean swim
The Cole Classic Ocean Swim is back on Sunday 1 February. Brought to you by Manly Life Saving Club (MLSC), the iconic swim has been enjoyed by the community for four decades.
Participants can choose from 1km, 2km, or 5km swim options and raise money for their favourite charity. The Cole Classic has fundraising at its heart, with more than $1 million being donated to charity since 2020, when MLSC took over the swim.
The swims begin at Shelly Beach and finish on the beach in front of MLSC. It’s a great event for everyone in the community, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned swimmer, such as Wes Dening from Balgowlah Heights. Wes won the 5km open division race in 2025, and the 2km race for his age group division two years ago.
Wes, 42, is head of global formats for television company Eureka, a job that takes him all over the world and to a lot of great ocean swims such as the Waikiki rough water swim in Hawaii. He’s even completed the renowned Forty Foot in Dublin, Ireland, which is ‘bloody freezing,’ but the cold-water training prepares him for Australian winter swimming.
Wes lived in California for 14 years and trained with a squad in Santa Monica. He says the waters are cleaner in Australia, but the ocean can be more intimidating.
He trains three times a week, about 15 kilometres per week in the pool or the ocean. “When I race and train more, I enjoy it more and I do well,” says Wes. “When you haven’t trained, it can be like having a washing machine strapped to your back.”
There’s a wave, or category, for everyone at the Cole Classic, including elite swimmers, age groups and back of the pack. There’s open male, and open female waves.
There are also inclusive open mixed waves with no gender or age restrictions.
Participants must be aged nine or over on race day to compete in the 1km, aged 12 or over for the 2km, and aged 15 or over for the 5km*. You can register a team, whether it be with workmates, friends or family.
Each registered participant receives a race pack which contains a coloured swim cap that corresponds to your wave, a timing tag with Velcro to put around your ankle, and a bag tag if you choose to use the bag drop facility (costs $5).
Race packs can be picked up from MLSC the day before the race from 2pm to 4pm, and on race day from 6am. Arrive one hour before your wave’s start time.
Wes is excited for the 2026 Cole Classic. “There’s no better high than the feeling of a great ocean swim in the morning. You feel great afterwards, you never regret doing it. For me, it’s an emotional and physical release, and makes you feel better mentally too.”
*The 5km has sold out unless you have previously entered.
Cole Classic Ocean Swim
Shelly Beach, Manly
Sunday 1 February
Entries close 4pm, 31 January
Headquarters open 6am, races start 7.30am
Cost $40+
Visit coleclassic.com.au