The Legend of Monty's Marker

As we celebrate our swim group roots at Suttons Beach, few challenges capture the SSG spirit like the Monty's Marker swim: a 1km out-and-back adventure to the green starboard buoy in Moreton Bay. What started as a distant "ideal" has become a beloved club rite of passage, embodying our mantras of "Do Epic Shit!" and pushing boundaries together. We caught up with Graham Bickerstaff, the man behind the name, to uncover its origins.

Graham joined SSG in 2019, drawn to our "group of crazies" after hearing about regular ocean swims while buying a wetsuit. His first outing? A rough day with "dirty brown, angry and messy waves," where the sea was so furious it reminded him of George Costanza sending back soup. Instead of braving it, the crew opted for coffee at the Pavilion, saving Graham's epic debut for calmer waters.

Curiosity about the marker, known locally as the Mile Marker or Garnet Rock, grew. Was it 1km, 1.6km, or a nautical mile? In mid-August 2020, with optimal conditions (low 9km/h westerly wind, moderate currents), Graham paddled out on his SUP to verify. He tracked 2.2km return, but the playful highlight? "Claiming" it by planting his flag. Inspired by club humour and his Strava nickname "Monty" from Monty Python-fuelled riding days in Gladstone, he declared it Monty's Marker. "If it's not on Strava, it doesn't exist," he quips.

The name stuck, fostering ownership and fun as we celebrate "cherry bombs" and achievements. The first group swim followed on October 18, 2020, with Graham arriving late and swimming solo to catch up, earning a "lone cowboy" nod from Greg. Over time, safety has evolved with kayak escorts and accommodations for all paces, reflecting our supportive ethos. Members offer kayak or SUP support for others on long swims, turning challenges into camaraderie.

Monty's Marker represents more than distance; it is about facing fears and building bonds in open water. Graham's advice for newbies: "Get out there and just do it... more time in the water will manage the fears and find the fun in the ruff and tumble." He sees the tradition thriving, crediting our welcoming core and spontaneous swims like those led by the Mermaids (boatramp to Scott's, anyone?).

Ready for your Monty's debut? Check the chats for the next supported swim. Let's keep doing epic shit together!