The feedback we received from our members at the Club’s Forum in May and the online survey clearly showed strong support for the State Championships to be held at Champion Lakes and to not include the Rottnest Channel Rehearsal swim.  It also demonstrated support for three opportunities during the series for swimmers to compete in a 10km event.

Considering the above we have made some changes to the series in 10/11.  The State Championships will be a separate ‘members only’ event held at Champion Lakes on the 5 and 6 February, four weeks prior to the National Championships.  This option allows us to address our members concerns whilst also being able to retain important commercial elements to the series.  We will continue to hold a 10km event at Sorrento on the 30^th January as we are  committed to working with the Rottnest Channel Association on their rehearsal swim.  

In addition to the above we have a number of other new initiatives that we will be releasing more information on in the coming months.  They include;

• All events in 10/11 will be using electronic timing and we will be launching a dedicated open water website in August/September
• Swimmer’s who compete in the State Open Water Championships will be able to earn points that go towards the State Swimming Championship shield awarded at the Awards breakfast in 2011
• There will be a Club team challenge included in the series where Clubs can compete for some fantastic prizes
• Minimum  age to swim 10km and/or 5km has been changed to allow for a full year of state competition for swimmer’s before they are able to enter the national championships as a 13 or 14 year old.
• In addition to the State Open Water championships we will be announcing an Open Water Series winner in each age and distance category (male and female) at Round 6 at Sorrento.  These Awards will be open to members and non-members and will be based on placing across all rounds 1 to 6.  The more events one enters the better chance you have of winning some fantastic prizes.
• We are also pleased to be able to offer members of Swimming WA a discounted rate for entry into each of the events this year.  See pricing schedule below. 
  
  

Pricing Schedule

Members

1.25km, 2.5km & 5km  = $30

10km = $35

Non-members

1.25km, 2.5km & 5km = $35

10km = $40

Stay tuned for more information.  If you have any queries on the above please do not hesitate to  call Katherine Ginbey on (08) 9328 4599 or katherine@wa.swimming.org.au

2010- 2011 Confirmed OWS Dates.pdf