Visiting the club's website. In addition to their regular Sunday swims, the Ice Picks also offer the opportunity to participate in various social and community events throughout the year.
The Dee Why Ice Picks Winter Swimming Club is a well-established and respected sports club located in Sydney, Australia. With a history dating back to 1961, the club has become one of the longest-standing and storied winter swimming clubs in the country. As a sub-club of the Dee Why RSL, the Ice Picks benefit from the support and sponsorship of the club.
In September 2023, the Dee Why Ice Picks will host the prestigious Australian Winter Swimming Championships for the first time in their six-decade history. The event will take place over the weekend of 15-17 September, with the main swim meet being held at the Warringah Aquatic Centre in Frenchs Forest. Competitors and supporters are invited to attend a Friday welcome event at Dee Why RSL, as well as a welcome splash at the traditional home of the Ice Picks, the Isa Wye pool at Dee Why Point, on Saturday.
To further enhance the experience, a special tasting event will be held at the Goodradigbee Distillers tasting room in Brookvale. The weekend will culminate in an official presentation and lunch in the main auditorium, providing an opportunity for competitors to celebrate their achievements and enjoy the spirit of camaraderie. The cost for the weekend is $55, which includes entry to the pool, the presentation, and lunch, as well as the various social events.
The Dee Why Ice Picks prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive club, open to men and women of all ages. The club encourages individuals to embrace the invigorating experience of swimming in cooler waters during winter. The weekly swims take place every Sunday from the week after Easter to the end of September, starting at 9:15am. Following the swim, participants are invited to enjoy a brunch and prize-giving ceremony at the nearby Dee Why Surf Club.
The Ice Picks conduct 30 and 50 metre races under handicap starts, ensuring that swimmers of all paces have the opportunity to compete and be recognised for their achievements. The focus is on camaraderie, competition, conversation, and conviviality, creating an atmosphere of fun, friendship, and support.
Membership fees for the season are $10, with a $2 fee for each swim. The club also organises raffles and prizes at the Surf Club. A detailed schedule for the season can be found on the club's website. Additionally, the Ice Picks offer a range of merchandise and apparel that can be ordered directly from their website.
If you have ever dreamed of participating in a national championship, the Dee Why Ice Picks provide the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality. Whether as a swimmer or an official, the club welcomes individuals to get involved and join the 2023 Australian Championships. Come and enjoy the bracing waters, competitive spirit, and lasting friendships of the Dee Why Ice Picks Winter Swimming Club.