The Rettke Building Tathra Wharf to Waves will go ahead next weekend with swims and activities over Saturday and Sunday. 

Officials said more than 400 people are expected to take the plunge off Tathra Wharf to compete in 600-metre age events or the 1200m main event. 

“The swim claims centre stage of a weekend of fun and fitness in Tathra, which includes a Beach Fun Run and a 30k Bega to the Beach  Mountain Bike Ride,” officials said. 

“There is something for everyone over the weekend.”

Online entries are open now and organisers said there was already about 120 signups for next weekend’s events. 

Organising committee member Kylie Dunmer said most of the entries will come in much later as entrants make sure of the conditions. 

“At this stage the surf looks ideal for the Sunday swims. The water is crystal clear and conditions are pretty flat which is ideal if swimmers are first-timers or nervous,” Ms Dunmer said. 

However, she said some of the competitive or veteran swimmers sometimes look for a wave to ride in on in the hunt for the $500 cash prize in the main event swim. 

“Weather conditions look ideal. 25 degrees on Saturday and a bit overcast so hopefully not too hot and similar on Sunday with a little cloud and about 26.”

Last year locals and visitors were treated by a visit from an inquisitive seal who entertained the massive crowd for about 30 minutes between swims. 

There are 600-metre age events from people as young as 12 right through to entrants in their 80s with coloured caps signifying each age group. 

Swimmers round a buoy and head straight into shore in front of the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club on Sunday, where Ms Dunmer said there would be an all-day community barbecue. 

She said there were some excellent prizes on offer with a number of businesses and sponsors getting on board including Bega Cheese throwing their support behind the swim as major sponsor. 

The splash for cash winners will each claim $500 and a special event photograph courtesy of Kit Goldsworthy from Fivefour Photography.

Organisers said there were a number of great spectator points including the lookout above the wharf or the steps leading up from the beach and your best bet was “to ask a local” or just enjoy the event from the beach itself.  

The Wharf to Waves will also be bolstered by two supporting events in a two-kilometre fun run and the Bega to the Beach bike ride (see page 30). 

Online entries for the swims and the bike ride are now open and will close at 4pm on January 19. 

More information on all the events and registrations can be found at www.tathrawharf2waves.com.au.