Queensland Ocean Swim Series Launched: JUST BRING GOGGLES...

'Just bring goggles' is the tagline for this year's Queensland Ocean Swim Series and, in a cheeky bid to entice more swimmers from the training pool to the sea, organisers say you are welcome to take them literally!

With ocean swimming becoming increasingly popular in the sunshine state the annual series, now in its third year, is aimed squarely at the weekend warrior with a range of courses to suit all abilities.

The series features events at Tangalooma, Coolangatta and Caloundra and to highlight how easy it is to get involved, organisers Weekend Warrior Events, are offering a new "Goggles Only" category which is sure to be a talking point. Event Director, John Guise, is quick to assure that anyone up for the "Goggles Only" challenge won't be exposed to the rest of the field though with some well placed screening on event day.

"Just bring goggles, says it all "said Guise. You don't need an expensive bike or running shoes and this year you don't even need your swimmers!"

 The series will be raising funds and awareness for Obesity Prevention Australia and the aim is to get Queenslanders off the couch and into an active lifestyle.

"Obesity Prevention Australia is an organisation born on the Gold Coast who shares our vision for a fitter, healthier state" said Guise. "We're often reminded that Queensland is the fattest state and we all have a role to play in the fight against obesity".

Former Australian Olympic medalist, Julie McDonald OAM, believes the series provides the perfect motivation for Queenslanders to kickstart an active New Year.

"To get fit you need to get motivated, so whether it is taking part with your kids, or beating one of your mates, each event provides an ideal goal to start training for"

"For me it means getting back in the pool after 16 years!" said McDonald "The kids short courses also allow me to compete with my 10 year old son".

Some of Queensland's leading athletes are also expected to take to the start line throughout the Series, including Melissa Rollison, Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

"The Queensland Ocean Swim Series events are fantastic and extremely beneficial to my training program, but they're also really fun and anyone can participate - I even drag my fiancé along for a swim!" said Rollinson

A range of course options are available throughout the Series from a free 300m kids dash through to 1km and 2km+ courses at each event.

The Series kicks off at Tangalooma on March 11 followed by Coolangatta on April 15 and a two-day festival at Caloundra on April 28 & 29.

For more information visit weekendwarriorevents.com.au

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