Thursday Night Swims

Swim Series History

Sea swims have been held in Nelson on Thursday nights since 1987. For the first 20 years, the swims were organised by Peter Owen of Eyebright and became known as the Eyebright Swims. That historical link continues today with the annual Eyebright Mile (2km).

In 2007, organisation moved under the Nelson Triathlon & Multisport Club. Rylock Windows & Doors later became the naming rights sponsor for the Thursday series, helping the tradition continue and grow.

Location

Nelson Yacht Club Wakefield Quay, Nelson, 7010

Thursday Night Schedule

5:00 pm – Check‑in opens
5:45 pm – Check‑in closes (no late entries)
5:50 pm – Race briefing (all swimmers must be on the ramp, ready, and listening)
6:00 pm – First wave starts, followed by subsequent waves approx. 1 minute apart

Swim Options

Each night offers two courses:

Short swim: approx. 200m–500m
Long swim: approx. 800m–1500m (Distances vary depending on conditions.)

Swimmer Requirements

To take part, participants should be confident swimming 500m front crawl in open water while maintaining forward progress. The race director has the final say on this requirement.

Registration

All competitors must register online no later than the night before their first swim.
Once registered, you’re set up for the full Thursday Night Series.
If you prefer to swim casually, choose the Pay at Event option and pay cash each night.

Refund policy

Please note: The Nelson Triathlon Club has a NO REFUND policy on club events.

How the series works

The Rylock Summer Sea Swim Series recognises swimmers across different divisions and age groups. Points are awarded throughout the season to determine overall winners.

Overall Points

The top male and female swimmers are determined by awarding points to the first ten finishers in the long swim each night (regardless of age).
The top non‑wetsuit competitors (male and female) are also awarded points.
- You must choose wetsuit or non‑wetsuit when you enter.
- Buoyancy shorts, flotation shorts, or core shorts are not permitted in the non‑wetsuit division.
- Notify officials if you change divisions during the season.

Age Group Categories

Season points also accumulate in the following divisions:

Long swim (female): under‑16, 16–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80+
Long swim (male): under‑16, 16–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80+

Points are taken from a competitor’s best swims over approx 66% of the season (e.g. best 12 if 18 swims are held, best 11 if fewer). Age groups are based on a swimmer’s age as of December 1 of the race season.

Things to know

Registration:

Please register online. If you plan to do just a few races, choose the Pay at Event option and pay cash at check‑in. Online registration ensures we have your emergency contact details and makes check‑in faster.

Race Numbers:

Each swimmer is allocated a number, written on the back of their left hand each night. This number stays the same all season.

Course information:

Each night’s course is displayed on a map near check-in. It’s your responsibility to know the course.

Finish procedure:

The finish line is set in knee‑ to thigh‑deep water, directly between the two cones placed on the ramp at the waterline.
To finish, you must enter this zone between the cones.
Timekeepers record your time and placing when you enter this zone.
Standing up behind another swimmer does not move you ahead — order is based on who enters first.
Swimmers who keep swimming usually reach the zone faster than those walking.
Proceed between the cones in order of finish; numbers will be taken there.
If you need assistance, raise your hand and call out.

Withdrawals:

If you do not finish, notify the timekeepers immediately so we know you’re safely out of the water.

Results:

Posted on the club website as soon as possible after each race.

Race rules & safety information

To ensure fair competition and swimmer safety, all participants must follow the rules and be aware of common hazards.

Race Rules

Competitors must be present at the race briefing.
Competitors must start the race within the designated area.
Competitors must round buoys as instructed in the safety briefing — failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Deliberately obstructing other swimmers is prohibited and will result in disqualification.
Any competitor deemed incapable of completing the race may be withdrawn by organisers, either before or during the event.
The Race Director’s decision is final.
Series swim caps in the appropriate colour for each wave are compulsory. If swimmers change waves during the season, they must purchase the correct new colour at registration.
While in the water, all swimmers must comply with directions from patrol boats and paddlers.
A swimmer deemed incapable of completing the course in reasonable time, or for any other reason, may be brought to shore by the water patrol. If asked to board the patrol boat, swimmers must do so immediately.
Under‑16s may be required to provide signed consent for entry.

Common Hazards and Precautions

The ramp can be dangerously slippery depending on tide — take care when entering or leaving the water.
Tidal flow can significantly affect progress — courses are designed to minimise this, but listen carefully to each night’s briefing.
Navigational markers (buoys, posts, dolphin marker, anchored boats) may have sharp objects — take care when swimming near them.
Give other swimmers space — swim around, not over — especially near younger swimmers.
Jewellery that may endanger others must not be worn.
All swimmers should train appropriately before entering these events.
Swimmers enter at their own risk and are responsible for their own physical condition.
These events are demanding — risks include drowning or collision with boats, objects, or other swimmers.
Organisers and crew will make every effort to ensure safety, but cannot guarantee it.
Less confident swimmers are encouraged to enter the short course until comfortable with sea swimming demands.
Inflatables and kayaks with flotation equipment will patrol the course throughout each race.
If in difficulty, stop and raise your hand to signal a patrol boat or paddler. If unable, roll onto your back to float.
Report any injury or accident to safety crew immediately.
If withdrawing from a race, alert an event official.
Wetsuits are recommended for buoyancy and warmth, especially in longer swims.
Please assist fellow competitors in need of help.

Volunteer for thursday night swims

The Thursday Night Sea Swims are a real team effort, and we’d love you to be part of it. Whether you can help just once or more often, every bit of support is appreciated.

Roles we’re looking for: