Four of the intrepid Lighthouse Race swimmers enjoy the feeling of finishing!
Giants of the Bay is a long-distance open-water swimming relay which raises money for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
It is the initiative of Grant Siedle & Don Riddington, both keen open water swimmers who have been swimming with the Brighton Icebergers for a number of years: in 2012 Grant attempted the English Channel swim – considered the pinnacle of open water swimming – and almost made it… In 2013, Don will be attempting it, and in 2014, Grant will be having another go.
Giants of the Bay 2012
The inaugural race took place on 10 & 11 March 2012 with 5 teams racing for the title: the local Point Lonsdale team ‘The Coutas’, the Brighton Icebergers, Monash University’s ‘Tritones’, Colorpak ‘Black Ice’, (containing 7 cross channel swimmers!) and the ‘Sirens’, an all girls team.
Organiser Don Riddington talks to Channel 10 at the start of the race
Starting at the same time were around 50 individual swimmers competing in the 5km “Lighthouse Race”, from Point Lonsdale to Queenscliff.
It was a great weekend and Victorian Premier (and Brighton Ice Berger) Ted Baillieu presented the cup to his fellow Brighton Ice Bergers, the inaugural winners. Mr Baillieu is surprisingly tall – about 6 feet 4 inches and as he said, he is a giant, and a swimmer, but he isn’t a “Giant of the Bay” as were all those who had completed this race.Congratulations to all the competitors and a big thank you to the crews, kayakers, volunteers (some of whom gave up their whole weekend to assist) and to organisers Grant and Don, who put in a huge amount of work to make it all come together.
Organiser Grant Siedle gets the race under way
Giants of the Bay 2013
In 2013 the race will take place on Saturday 9 March with individuals and teams taking part in a 30km race.
An Amaze Team?
Amaze would love to field a team, but we will need a little help! If you are a keen swimmer, or even a simply competent one, and would like to join us, please get in touch! (Call Fran on 9657 1611 or email fran.ludgate@amaze.org.au).
Swimmers took home a medal to commemorate their achievement
Are you inspired?
Check out the Giants of the Bay website for more information about the race.