Zen Durbidge - Palm Beach to Shelly Beach
South Palm Beach to Shelly Beach
24 km (14.9 miles)
6 hours, 19 minutes on 27 November 2022
Observed and documented by Eric Bateman
Contents
Swimmer
- Name: Zen Durbidge
- Gender: male
- Age on swim date: 39
- Nationality: Australia
- Resides: Perth, Western Australia
Support Personnel
- Christine Freak - paddler
- Murray Brewer - skipper
- Eric Bateman - observer
Escort Vessel
| Name | Type | Port |
|---|---|---|
| BREW | 5.6m Brig R.I.B. | Northbridge, Sydney, NSW |
Swim Parameters
- Category: Solo, nonstop, unassisted.
- Rules: MSF Rules of Marathon Swimming, without exception or modification.
- Equipment used: Textile swimsuit (Funky Trunks brief), swim cap, Fiski goggles, grease, sunscreen
Route Definition
- Body of Water: Tasman Sea
- Route Type: one-way
- Start Location: South Palm Beach (-33.598644, 151.325791)
- Finish Location: Shelly Beach, Manly (-33.800470, 151.297607)
- Minimum Route Distance: 24 km (14.9 miles) (map)
History
Swim Data
- Start: 27 November 2022, 05:45:00 (Australia/Sydney, UTC+11).
- Finish: 27 November 2022, 12:04:47
- Elapsed: 6 hours, 19 minutes, 47 seconds.
Summary of Conditions
| Feature | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temp (C) | 19.1 | 19.6 |
| Air Temp (C) | 15 | 25 |
| Wind (kph) | 7.4 | 16.9 |
GPS Track
Trackpoint frequency: 10 minutes. Download raw data (CSV).
Speed Plot
Nutrition Plan
See observer log.
Observer Log
Narrative
by Zen Durbidge
Palm Beach to Shelly Beach was the final remaining leg of the Australian Triple Crown I had to complete after finishing the Derwent River Big Swim on New Year’s Day, 2022. It is always invaluable to hold a focus and objective to work towards to maintain the discipline of training. I trained alongside my squad mate James Clothier as I had when we completed Port to Pub 25km and Derwent River which also makes the long training sessions far more enjoyable.
Training involved a structured program set out by the head coach (Ceinwen Roberts) of Positive Swim Squad, including double-length pool sessions, long open water swims in lakes, rivers and oceans in a variety of conditions, land-based strength and flexibility sessions, cold water endurance as well as nutritional analysis. I also sing my partner Carlie’s praises for keeping me fed and loved along the way.
The “swim window” was determined in August and flights from Perth were booked. Knowing that I might swim on any day between November 26^th^ and December 4^th^. Conditions were determined to suitable and crew availability aligned to swim on Sunday November 27^th^.
The swim itself had only one small hiccup along the way, an issue with kayak taking in water, but that was in no way disruptive to the overall performance. Starting out at Sunrise, 05:45, from Kiddies Corner on Palm Beach in very pleasant conditions, light NE breeze, 19 degree C water and a building southerly swell. Unbeknownst to me there was an undetermined fin sighted within the first 30mins which was not seen again. A pod of approximately 20 dolphins appeared ahead of us after the second feed which really buoyed the crew. The Nor’easter was dropping and turning North making swimming conditions about as good as they could be on that route.
Pace and rate continued to remain steady as we rolled past halfway as the wind turned NE and gained a little strength which was pushing the building swell across my left shoulder for the next 5km or so. Then I reached Long-reef and the deep line the crew had taken me on worked perfectly as we turned and headed for home with the wind waves right behind me. I was a little perturbed when we find ourselves in the midst of a regatta race and there was 20 odd boats with spinnakers at full puff heading directly towards us at speed but the crew held line were able position the boat to offer protection from the racing line.
After the final feed it was only another 19mins work across the reef towards Shelly Beach. It was a little surreal to finish the swim amongst a beach full of people who had no idea where I had just swum from.
I was elated with the support and direction from the crew, everyone played their role perfectly. I was also very pleased with my performance as the race plan, pace and rate never waived from its intention. After checking my phone, it was even more incredible to see over 200 messages of encouragement and support from Positive Swim Squad. It is testament to how the solo sport of marathon swimming is a team achievement. Family, coach, training buddy, squad mates, skipper, observer and paddler, all there to help you achieve your ambitions. Thank you everyone.
