Meet Colin Brodie

Colin Brodie is a life member of the Anglesea SLSC, was part of the small group of members who created the first swim in 1993, was the Race Director from 1996-2006 and is an avid open water swimmer to this very day. I caught up with Colin to chat about this swim ahead of the 30th Celebration of the Rock2Ramp.

The "Anglesea Swim Classic"which was the original name for the "Rock2Ramp" in the first two years, was a small swim with little fanfare and about 100 or so swimmers held at Point Roadknight. In 1995, the swim moved, as a one-off, to Eastern Beach on the Geelong Foreshore and for that year was renamed the "Great Australia Day Swim". Unfortunately this event was up against multiple other events on the same day and didn't go well.

The following year, Colin and Peter Moore (Race Director (1993-1995)) re-created the swim back at Point Roadknight, and along with Garry Johnson's support the Burson Rock2Ramp Swim was born. Others involved included Peter Williams (timing & logistics), David Kennedy (registrations), Bernie Murray (starter), and Paul Lunny (water safety). The aim was to hold an event for 95% of swimmers who participate, not just those who get to stand on the winners' dias, and to create a family friendly event. A legacy which has lived on!

On reflection, Colin believes the ongoing success of the Rock2Ramp is down to: "The great location, logistics for the swimmers being easy (vs the Pier to Pub for example), the relatively easy access and parking, the excellent water safety protocols, and it being family friendly."

I asked Colin what he loved about the Rock2Ramp. His response was "As a swimmer the R2R is a pleasant short distance ocean swim with reasonable challenges such as navigation, current, and some surf skills, with most regular pool swimmers being able to complete the course with ease as well as a high degree of satisfaction."

Colin is a member of the "Incredibles" having swam the Rock2Ramp over 20 times. He has also completed the Rottnest Channel Swim (in WA) 8 times, in addition to many other open water swims.

Without Colin's leadership and direction the Burson Rock2Ramp would not be what it has become. Thank you for your service, advice and support.

Finally, Colin's advice for those interested in swimming in the Rock2Ramp for the first time: "Do it!".