Winter swimming with the Stanwell Park Sea Eels is back in full swing. The club has held three swims, with 30 swimmers eager to get back into the water, which has been on average a balmy 20°C.
At our AGM, held on swim one on 30 April, we awarded Anne Woodward with Life Membership of the Club. Anne is an important part of our club and has helped raise hundreds for charity through her skills as Fine Master. Congratulations, Anno!
This year is our 35th season and our club has always been a family club, open to all swimmers who can swim 50 metres unaided. We swim at Coalcliff pool, 9am every Sunday until September. Swims are 50m, 100m and a relay, all swims are handicapped and as competitive as you wish.
Afterwards we head to Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Club for delicious soups made by our members and drinks, if desired, and plenty of socialising. Perfect way to spend your Sunday.
Back at the Surf Club is where we raise funds for charity by means of fines, raffles and Joker Poker. Our main charity is CRAM Foundation, who provide a caring service to disabled adults and children. We have been supporting CRAM since 1999 and made many friendships with the residents. Last season we donated $2000.
Our club enjoys inter-club visits with Bulli Sea Lions. The ladies from the Bondi Icebergs visit, we compete at the Invitational Champs at Bondi, the South Coast and the Australian Championships. One of our favourite days is the annual Bring-A-Friend day with a visit from the Gunnamatta Greys. After the swim we head to Wombarra Bowlo for soup, beverages and perhaps Barefoot Bowls.
This season we have five new members. All residents in and outside of the area are welcome. It would be great to see more surf club members join. Joining the Sea Eels, you also become an “Associate Member” of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Club and are covered by the surf lifesaving insurance.
Our club is a friendly club who enjoy a cool swim and socialising. Hope to see you on the blocks any Sunday up until September.
