Lorne Pier to Pub
The GMHBA Lorne Pier to Pub is in its 39th year in 2019 and is the largest ocean water swim in the world. The swim is a 1.2km course starting at the Lorne Pier and finishing on the foreshore in front of the Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club house. It is organised and run by the volunteers of Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club.
Key Dates
GMHBA Lorne Mountain to Surf – 8.30am Friday January 11 2019
GMHBA Lorne 5000 – 10am Saturday January 12 2019
GMHBA Lorne Pier to Pub – 12.30pm Saturday January 12 2019
Entries for the 2019 events will open early November.
Entries open early November 2018
Like the last few years there will be no ballot – if you enter in the first two weeks you are likely to obtain a place.
Sharkbait swimmers will enter at the same time as all other swimmers and will be guaranteed entries in the first 2 weeks.
On The Day
How early do I need to be there?
Registration is open from 9am to 12pm on the day. Make sure you arrive early and consider coming the inland route via Deans Marsh as it is usually the fastest route on the day. Make sure you park legally – you can park in one of the public car parks ($25 entry fee to the Lorne Men’s Shed community association and local school) or we offer free parking and a courtesy shuttle bus from the Golf Club car park, which is convenient if you are coming the inland route.
Wetsuit Hire, Courtesy of 2XU
Through our event wetsuit partner and sponsor 2XU, you can hire a wetsuit for the day, and have the opportunity to purchase it if you like it (which you will, and your hire fee will be fully refunded!) The link and details will be available in November, but don’t leave it to the last minute.
Keeping hydrated on the day
We recommend everyone bring their own water bottles. We will have a Barwon Water row of fountains at the North side of the surf club for refilling.
Lorne is moving to become a plastic-free town and as part of that the GMHBA Lorne Pier to Pub is adopting a plastic minimisation policy. We will be phasing in our minimisation changes over the next two years, and as an example of this, water will be available for swimmers at the finish, but not plastic water bottles.
Changing and gear
There is a gear tent for swimmers to place their bags and also we can transport gear from the pier back to the beach in our gear truck. Do not place valuables in bags as we do not accept any responsibility for any losses.
Marshalling
You need to be at the pier 30 minutes before your race. It can be a 15-20 minute walk from the surf club.
The Swim
If this is your first time swimming be aware of the following:
- It is very busy at the start, so try starting back from the start line and wait 5 seconds after the gun to give yourself space and reduce the risk of an accidental kick or arm
- Take your time during the race to get your bearings
- If distressed put your arm up and someone will come to assist you
The Finish
Cross the timing matts on the finish line and keep moving up the beach where you remove your timing band. There will be water near the clubhouse and you can collect your gear from the gear tent and change in the changing tent if you wish. Then please move from the finish area to make way for your fellow 5,000 swimmers!
Withdrawals and refunds
We accept withdrawals from the run up to the 15th of December. We charge a 15 dollar fee for a withdraw. After the 15th of December we do not offer refunds.
Event Cancellation
If the swim is cancelled (e.g. due to adverse conditions), the event will be re-run on a pre-determined date (TBA each year). Swimmers unable to make the re-run date will not be eligible for a refund.
Additional Information
Sharkbait (10, 20 and 30 year swimmers)
Need a Wetsuit?
Through our event wetsuit partner and sponsor 2XU, you can hire a wetsuit for the day, and have the opportunity to purchase it if you like it (which you will, and your hire fee will be fully refunded!) The link and details will be available in November, but don’t leave it to the last minute.
Our Sponsors and Partners
