HOW COLE CLASSIC IS GOING GREEN

We’ve always tried to take steps to ensure the beach and surrounding coastline is looked after during our event, but this year we’ve upped our game and have taken significant steps to reduce the impact to our environment.

We’ve partnered with a range of local organisations to help educate our audience on the importance of environmental and sustainability practices to conserve the ocean and environment. Partnering with these organisations will also help us improve waste management, sustainable event design and energy-saving solutions over time. 

• • Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid buying single-use bottled drinks.
  • Pack snacks in reusable containers or compostable wraps instead of plastic packaging.
  • Use eco-friendly swim gear and clothing made from sustainable or recycled materials.

• • Avoid using single-use plastics provided at the event—bring your own reusable items like water bottles and bags.
  • Use designated bins for waste disposal and recycle where possible. If the bin is overflowing, try and find another one.
  • Pick up any litter you see around the venue to prevent it from entering the ocean.
  • Donate to support ocean conservation organisations

• • Continue to reduce plastic use by switching to sustainable alternatives in your daily life.
  • Participate in local clean-ups and advocate for plastic-free initiatives in your community.

The Cole Classic 2025 is proud to partner with Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches to deliver a sustainable ‘ocean friendly’ swim event.

Surfrider Foundation Australia is a registered not for profit ocean conservation charity dedicated to the protection of Australia’s waves and beaches through Conservation, Activism, Research and Education (C.A.R.E.).

The Surfrider Foundation “Friend of  the Ocean’ accreditation is obtained by meeting the following criteria –

• Reduce – deliver an event free of non-essential single use plastic items and packaging
• Reuse – collection of unwanted swim caps & swim goggles for upcycling with affiliated organisations
• Recycle – provide comprehensive dedicated recycling stations and responsible disposal
• Partners – engage ethical and sustainable partners across all areas of the event operation.
• Educate – deliver ‘ocean friendly’ messaging to event participants prior to and during the event to educate and promote sustainable participation.
• Advocacy – partner with ocean conservation organisations to engage event participation in ocean conservation initiatives that protect the health of the Northern beaches coastline.

The Sydney Institute of Marine Science, founded in 2005 and located on Chowder Bay in Sydney Harbour, is a world-leading marine science institute and the principal marine research facility in NSW.

SIMS is a unique focal point for collaborative marine research and innovation, provision of marine research for policy makers and managers, and research training and teaching in the marine sciences. Their research is solution focused, resulting in novel approaches and technologies for enhancing our sustainable use and enjoyment of the marine environment now and into the future.

We’ve partnered with SIMS to help evolve our efforts in driving marine conservation, and align with their values and practices:

• They believe in the power of community to drive marine conservation
• Their partnerships foster knowledge, skills and connection that ensure the long-term stewardship of marine environments
• They translate research into real-world solutions, influencing policy and supporting sustainable marine management.