5 May, 2022

Record nude entries as Round North Head title changes hands

A record 39 nude competitors finished the Round North Head Classic 2.5 km ocean swim last Saturday.

Jono Ridler, the first “freedom swimmer” home, streaked off before getting his prize – he had his own wedding to get to. Female nude swimmers (22 finishers) outnumbered men (17 finishers).

The overall race, from Windsor Reserve to Balmain Reserve in Cheltenham, was won by Alex Dunkley in 24 minutes and 16 seconds .

Multiple past winner Brent Foster was second, just 11 seconds behind. One factor in the result may have been the positioning of the final buoy, which was much closer to shore than competitors had been told to expect.

Foster took a wide line after rounding the head, allowing Dunkley to slip into the lead by taking a course closer to the shoreline.

Ella Crowe was the first female finisher in 26:53, with Nicola Clement second in 27:53. Ridler’s time was 28:04, with Natasha Bowyer, the first female freedom swimmer home, in 29:11. Nearly 200 swimmers completed the event.

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