IN 1999, a small group of individuals first got together and started the Mollymook Ocean Swim group, as a way to be social and stay active.
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Four years later, they held the first Mollymook ocean swim as a fund-raising event on behalf of the Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club, and attracted 75 starters.
It has become an annual event with competitor numbers varying from year to year peaking at 266 competitors in 2010.
Swim group members have competed in numerous prestige's ocean swims such as the Cole Classic at Manly (formerly held at Bondi), the Cronulla 'Shark Island' swim, the Lorne 'Pier to Pub' swim in Victoria, the 20km 'Rottnest Channel' swim in WA, whilst one local swimmer has actually swam the English Channel.
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With so much history being accumulated by members of the local ocean swim group, Ken Banks decided to document the group's history in a 200-page book.
"I first started collecting information in 2014 after finding out so much interesting information and hearing so many fascinating stories, I felt it needed to be documented as a memento for the swimmers," Banks said.
"I've communicated with accomplished ocean swimmers who have competed in major ocean swims throughout Australia and overseas and to hear their stories has been very special.
"Feature articles are included in the book that show the amazing diversity of the swim group members and their unique talents".
The book, contains 45,000 words and 600 images.
The book launch is being organised by Mike Gaffney and will be held at the Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club on Sunday, December 22 from 5pm.
"This book is just a small memoir to remind everyone of our journey and I'm really happy with how it's turned out," Banks said.