Bondi Bay Ocean Swim Wave Times

1km Bondi Bay Race Start

1km Bondi Bay Ocean Swim | 8:30am, Sunday 4th December 2022 | Bondi Beach 

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.

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.

Rolling Starts

This year we will be adopting a rolling start for each of our waves. This means that instead of all swimmers in a wave starting at the same time, they will be sent off in small groups (3-6 people) a few seconds apart. Every swimmer's official start time begins when they cross the timing mat at the water's edge of the swim start. Each athletes time is marked by their individual race chip, attached to the Velcro strip around their ankle. Listen for instructions from our volunteers helping to marshal swimmers at the start line.

Rolling starts are becoming far more common at ocean swimming and Ironman events. It allows for a smoother and safer swim as smaller groups are entering the water at the same time, helping to spread swimmers out across the course.