5km

 

An epic coastal swim commencing out through the breaking waves at Bondi Beach, initially heading north to a turning buoy at Ben Buckler headland. You will then turn south to swim down the coast to Bronte past the famed Bronte Reef before turning north to head back up the coast and return to the sand through the break at Bondi.

The overall course distance is approximate, prevailing swell and weather conditions on the day will determine final buoy placement and distance.

A 5km epic coastal swim commencing at Bondi Beach and finish at Bondi Beach.

With a capped number of only 250 swimmers this is a very limited opportunity to participate in the  5km Bondi to Bronte to Bondi course.

All swimmers must mark their name off the list at the registration tables which will take place in Bondi Beach. Registrations open at 6:45am, so you can collect your wave's coloured swim cap.

No late entries will be allowed on the beach.

Don't be late, as the 5KM swim registration closes at 7:15am,

Start time: 7:30am

Please note: Start times are indicative only and may be subject to change by the event organisers on the day of the event. Announcements will be made if changes are required. Your understanding and patience is appreciated.


Categories

Only 2 categories: Male and Female


Entry Criteria

  • The minimum age on event day is 13 years old
  • The 5km swim course is open to advanced level swimmers only
  • You must be able to complete a 5km time trial pool swim in under 1hr 30mins and are required to provide evidence to the event organiser at least two weeks prior to the event day. Please send your evidence to swims@bonditobronte.com.au
  • You acknowledge that the swim course distance is approximate only, and the final distance will be determined by bouy placement on the day subject to swell and weather considerations.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present on event day.

The event organiser requires proof of eligibility which may be provided as either of the following:

  • Evidence of a 5km time trial pool swim via a smart device (under 1hr 30mins) completed within 3 months of this event  
  • Published results from a previously completed 5km open water swim (under 120 mins) completed within 12 months of this event 
    e.g., results page from the Balmoral Swim or Malabar Magic Ocean Swim, South Head Roughwater or similar.

Please send your proof of eligibility to this following address: swims@bonditobronte.com.au 

On the day, to ensure the safety of all participants and water safety: 

  • All participants must complete the Bondi to Bronte 5km course within a cut off time of 120 mins.
  • Participants who have not reached the Bronte turning buoy within 55 mins, or the finish line within 120 mins will not be permitted to continue and will be removed from the course and returned to the shore at Bondi Beach by water safety personnel.
Prize Presentation

There is $500 in prize money up for grabs for each of the first male and female finishers in the 5km Return Swim.

And of course, there are always bragging rights to be won if you beat your mates across the finish line!


Check out our prizes presentation page for more details 

Wave Time


Wave SequenceStartCategoryFastest Time (2024)Average Time (2024)
Cap colour
Wave 17:30am All Male Swimmers 0:56:381:22:19
Silver + White stripe
Wave 27:32am All Female Swimmers 1:00:551:24:44Aqua + White stripe

Why do we have waves?

  1. For swimmer and our water team’s safety, as we need to limit numbers in the water at any one time.
  2. To ensure swimmers are within a category suitable for their age.
  3. To ensure fairness in competition and promote sportsmanship.
Wetsuit Policy

First and foremost, our responsibility to is to ensure the safety and comfort of all swim participants and our Water Safety Team. Equally, we want every single person to enjoy their swim experience.

Water temperatures and surf conditions can vary significantly year on year. Swell direction can keep people in the water longer than their average 5km pool swim, which in turn keeps our water safety team in the water longer.

We have a clearly defined wetsuit policy that enables all swimmers to decide whether to wear a wetsuit on the day dependant on conditions. The policy allows for participants to have a fair and equitable opportunity to win prizes if that is a priority for them.

We provide a complimentary, secure, bag storage service for all 5K participants, so feel free to bring your wetsuit and make the decision once you are at Bondi.

Please ensure, if you are keen to be in the running for a prize, that you have read and understood our complete wetsuit policy

SWIMWEAR POLICY

The Event adopts the following policy in regard to swimwear:

Swimwear Policy – Elite Waves, 5km & Dash for Cash

Water Temperature – 18°C or Above

Where the official water temperature on race day is 18°C or above, swimmers must wear the following standard textile swimwear to be eligible for official placings and prizes in the Elite Waves, 5km Swim and Dash for Cash:

  • Men: Standard swimming briefs only.
  • Women: Standard one-piece or two-piece swimwear. 

All other swimwear styles, including jammers, swim shorts, technical racing suits, compression suits, wetsuits and suits providing additional coverage or buoyancy, are not permitted for swimmers seeking official placings or prizes.

Swimmers who choose to wear other swimwear styles may still participate but will not be eligible for official placings or prizes in these events.

Water Temperature – Below 18°C

Where the official water temperature is below 18°C, wetsuits will be permitted and swimmers wearing wetsuits will remain eligible for official placings and prizes.

Visual Guide

The following images illustrate the permitted swimwear styles for swimmers competing for placings and prizes in the Bondi to Bronte Elite Waves, 5km Swim and Dash for Cash.

Swimwear Policy – Age Waves (2.2km Bondi to Bronte)

Water Temperature – 18°C or Above

Where the official water temperature on race day is 18°C or above, swimmers must wear standard textile swimwear to be eligible for official placings and prizes in the Bondi to Bronte age-group waves.

Permitted Swimwear

  • Men: Standard swimming briefs or jammers that do not extend above the navel or below the knee.
  • Women: Standard one-piece or two-piece swimsuits

All swimwear must be made from textile materials and must not contain neoprene or provide additional buoyancy.

Non-Permitted Swimwear

Swimmers wearing wetsuits, technical racing suits, neoprene swimwear or suits that exceed the permitted coverage limits will not be eligible for official placings or prizes.

Swimmers may elect to wear non-compliant swimwear but will not qualify for official placings or prizes in their age category.

Water Temperature – Below 18°C

Where the official water temperature is below 18°C, wetsuits will be permitted and swimmers wearing wetsuits will remain eligible for official placings and prizes.

Visual Guide

The following images illustrate the permitted swimwear styles for swimmers competing for placings and prizes in the Bondi to Bronte age-group waves.