On the Water in Geelong: Surfing, Sailing, Rowing and Ocean Swimming

Few Australian regional cities are as blessed in water-sports geography as Geelong. The sheltered waters of Corio Bay suit sailing and paddling, the Barwon River has nurtured one of Australia's strongest rowing traditions, and the surf breaks of Torquay and Bells Beach on the Surf Coast are among the most famous in the country. There is genuinely something for every water-lover here.

Sailing centres on the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, based at Eastern Beach and one of the largest yacht clubs in the Southern Hemisphere. The club runs racing and cruising programs year-round for all experience levels and hosts the iconic Festival of Sails, typically held over the Australia Day long weekend in January. The bay's protected waters make it an excellent learning environment, and the club's dinghy and keelboat programs attract sailors from school age to retirement.

Rowing on the Barwon River is a proud Geelong tradition. The city's schools have historically produced outstanding junior rowers, and the Head of the Schoolgirls regatta is one of the premier school rowing events in Victoria, drawing crews from across the state each year. Adult rowing clubs also operate from the river and welcome beginners through learn-to-row programs in the warmer months.

The Surf Coast, beginning at Torquay just 20 minutes south of Geelong, is home to some of Australia's best surf breaks. Torquay and Jan Juc offer beginner-friendly conditions, while Bells Beach is a world-famous point break that hosts the Rip Curl Pro, a World Surf League Championship Tour event held around Easter. Surf Life Saving clubs at Torquay and throughout the Surf Coast also offer nippers programs for children and patrol volunteer opportunities for adults.

Open-water swimming is well established at Eastern Beach, which features a historic saltwater swimming enclosure right in the heart of Geelong. Ocean swimmers aiming for longer swims often use the foreshore as a base, and organised ocean swims are held regularly along the Surf Coast throughout summer. Whether you prefer oars, a sail, a surfboard or just your swimming costume, Geelong has the water and the community to match.

Sources: Royal Geelong Yacht Club Festival of Sails Surfing Victoria

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