PALM 2 SHELLY

The Palm Beach to Shelly Beach Swim is a world-class 24 km open-water ultra-marathon traversing 25 stunning beaches along Sydney’s Northern coastline.

Organised by Another Level Performance Pty Ltd, this event forms part of the Australian Triple Crown of Ultra-Marathon Swimming and attracts elite swimmers from across Australia and around the globe.

View Australian Triple Crown Information

View Openwaterpedia Listing

SWIMMING INFORMATION

EVENT OVERVIEW

Course: Palm Beach (NSW) → Shelly Beach (NSW)
Distance: 24 km (Australian Triple Crown qualifying swim)
Start: Palm Beach, Northern Beaches
Finish: Shelly Beach, Manly
Organiser: Another Level Performance Pty Ltd
Categories:
- Solo swimmers
- Duos
- Teams of four
This event caters to swimmers preparing for major international marathon swims such as Ocean’s Seven and other channel crossings

EVENT DATES & CONTINGENCIES

Scheduled Date:

11^th April 2026 – 06:30am Start (during daylight saving)

If conditions remain unfavourable, the event may alternatively be held:

25^th April 2026
9^th May 2026
23^nd May 2026

All dates are subject to weather and ocean conditions.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

To participate in this event, each entrant must:

Complete the Participant Waiver Entry Form
Confirm understanding of the Terms and Conditions, including risk acknowledgment, liability exclusion, and safety requirements
Agree to participate at their own risk
Maintain appropriate support:
- A boat support within 10 metres of the swimmer
- A qualified observer on board
- Optional swim support craft (kayak, ski, or board)

Eligibility

Due to increased SIPS requirements and logistics:

10 km entrants must have completed a 10 km open-water swim within the last 12 months
24 km entrants must have completed a previous swim of 19.5 km or longer

CUT OFF TIMES

To qualify as an official ratified swim and remain eligible for the Australian Triple Crown:

Exceptional circumstances may allow discretion by the Race Director
24 km swimmers: 10 hours maximum
10 km swimmers: 4 hours maximum

REGISTRATION

How to Register

Send an email enquiry with your name & phone number to anotherlevelperformance1@gmail.com
You’ll receive a Participant Waiver / Entry Form via email
Sign the form, accept the Terms & Conditions, and make your payment
Your spot is confirmed once paperwork and payment are completed

Terms, Risk & Safety

By entering, participants agree to::

Read and understand the Terms & Conditions, including assumption of risk, liability exclusions, and event rules
Participate at your own risk
Complete the waiver form before taking part

RACE OFFICIALS

The event is overseen by Another Level Performance officials, including Tim Garrett.

Officials are responsible for:

Assessing swimmer qualifications and capability
Determining race conditions on the day
Managing safety, disqualification, and compliance issues
Approving wetsuit use (note: wetsuits are permitted under WOWSA non-compliance, but swimmers are ineligible for prizes)

EVENT RULES

SAFETY

Safety in open-water conditions is paramount. Each swimmer must have:

A dedicated support boat within 10 metres at all times.
A qualified observer monitoring progress and compliance.
Awareness that while shark risk is low, the consequences are high, so all precautions are enforced.

WEATHER & MARINE CONDITIONS

Final event approval depends on the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast and marine safety guidelines.
If offshore conditions are deemed unsafe, the event will be postponed to the next contingency date.
The boat skipper holds final responsibility for vessel operation and adherence to insurance and maritime conditions.

10 KM EVENT

A shorter 10 km swim will run as part of the event:

Start: Deep-water start from support boats, 1–3 km offshore opposite Narrabeen SLSC
Start time: 1:00 pm (aligned with 24 km swimmers)
Categories: Solo and duo

ENTRY FEES & CATEGORIES

Category	Entry Type	Cost (AUD)
24 km	Solo	$480
24 km	Duo	$700
24 km	Team of 4	$1,400
10 km	Solo	$200

Entry limit: 100 entrants (24 km swimmers have priority).
Additional entrants may be accepted subject to a risk assessment and the availability of extra water safety resources.
Entries close: 28 February 2026.
Entry fee: Non-refundable.
Sunset Clause: Entrants who have paid but not yet participated must complete the swim this year or forfeit their entry and fee.

INFORMATION PACKS

Swimmer Information Pack: Sent to all registered swimmers, including maps, nutrition guidance, and event protocols.
Skipper Information Pack: Sent to support boat skippers with navigation and safety requirements.

PREPARATION & TRAINING

The Palm to Shelly Swim is an excellent preparation event for channel crossings and other marathon swims. It provides:

A realistic test of nutrition strategy and pacing.
Experience in managing long-distance conditions.
An opportunity to connect with elite swimmers and share knowledge.

COVID-19 CONTINGENCY

In accordance with NSW Government “Stay Safe” rules, the event will comply with:

Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020 under the Public Health Act 2010 Division 3.
The contingency start will shift to a water start if a beach start becomes restricted.

SAVE MONEY & SHARE BOATS

Endurance swimming can be expensive, so participants are encouraged to share support vessels where possible.

Up to three swimmers may share one boat if they maintain a similar pace.
Swimmers must remain within 10 metres of the support boat.
Pacing and strategy are the responsibility of each group.

INTERSTATE & INTERNATIONAL SWIMMMERS

Purchase flexible airfares to allow for weather-related date changes.
Cancellations or postponements are determined by marine conditions and Bureau of Meteorology updates.
Boat owners and skippers remain responsible for ensuring conditions are within their vessel’s insurance and safety limits.