BLACK Head Surf Club officials are determined the highly successful Head2Head ocean swim will return in January 2015.
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Club president Geoff Jackson has confirmed there won't be a swim next month.
He said members who have been heavily involved with the organisation of the swim in the past are no longer available to assist. Mr Jackson admits the club ran out of time to put together a program for 2014.
The ocean swim has grown steadily since the event was first held in 2010.
More than 200 starters took part in the inaugural race. This grew to 269 taking part in three events - 700 and 1500m ocean swims and a 10km ski marathon - last January.
The event was also included on the Fine Ocean Swim Series by oceanswims.com
"This is my favourite swim and place to come to each year because of the community spirit and food. Keep doing what you are doing," Paul Ellercamp from oceanswims.com told the club last January.
However, Mr Jackson said that due to delays basic infrastructure to conduct the event were not in place. This included contacting sponsors.
"We're disappointed not to be holding a swim next month," he said.
He said the club wanted to ensure the event is run professionally so as not to damage its reputation.
"We thought it wasn't worth the risk. We just didn't have the time to do it properly and we decided not to go ahead.''
Mr Jackson described the day is a 'good money spinner' for the club, with the clubhouse packed for the presentation while there is strong spectator support.
However, he said the club will make a full review of the swim before 2015 and he said it will definitely retrun to the calendar.
"We'll be looking to conduct it in January, although the date could change,'' he said.
In its three years the swim has been held within the first week of January.
Mr Jackson said not holding the race next year won't affect its status in the Fine Ocean Swim Series.
However, ocean swimming won't be totally lost to the area next month. Two races - one for 12 years and under and the other for 13 years plus, will be held as part of the Crowdy Triathlon Festival on Saturday January 25 at Crowdy Head. The first race will be 500m with the second 1000m.
Forster Tri Club will be conducting the festival.
