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Everyone was tired, but satisfied to have battled the conditions, and happy to receive their Certificate of Achievement, awarded by Traralgon SC.
Of course, the northerly wind abated to a standstill almost as the last competitor completed the course! And shortly after the lake had barely a ripple. These glassy conditions were repeated on Sunday when Vicentre's Grant Hackett won the 10K.
Collingwood swimmers are encouraged to try the joys of Open Water swimming as a break from the routine of concrete, tiles and chlorine. The direct contact with the elements offers much to improve the strength, fitness and resiliance of all swimmers.

Hazelwood Open Water event is hosted by the Traralgon Swimming Club and held at the spectacular Hazelwood Pondage, near Morwell in the La Trobe Valley. The event incorporates the Victorian State Open Water Championship (5 and 10K) and attracts competitors nation wide.
The Pondage is a large man-made lake filled by hot water discharged from the eponymous power station situated on its northern bank.
The course starts and finishes along the southern bank (where a beach has been created complete with white sand!) and runs parallel to a massive stone levee wall on the eastern side.
Convection currents mix the hot water in the lake to provide a year round "pool temperature" of around 23C. The "distilled" water sits above a bed of fine silt. For swimmers used to focussing on the thin black line, navigation represents the first of several challenges!

The 1K, 3K and 5K events, were swum on Saturday, October 20th, with 10K event on Sunday. The Saturday events were held in sunny conditions with a freshening NW breeze that generated considerable chop and spray - adding the the aforementioned "challenge" and making the efforts of the participants even more commendable.
Collingwood was represented by Eleanor Eddy (1K) and former club members, Lewin Eddy and Andrew Ananievski (5K) and coach Alex Hirschauer. Eleanor swam magnificently to finish her maiden open water race in 24:18, while Lewin swam an Open National time of 1:07.43 at his first attempt in the 5K. Both great efforts.