The talented pool swimmer, who spent five years in the American college system with the University of Kentucky, won the first leg of the Shipwreck Coast Swim Series in Port Fairy last weekend.

Sophie Thomas was the first senior female across the line, while 17-year-old junior Georgie Henderson was the overall champion.

Jones said he was keen to tackle more outdoor swimming after years of competing in the pool. "My pool days are kind of behind me so I'm looking to go into a few more longer, adventure races," he said.

"Open water is something I'll probably do a little bit more of going forward."

The 25-year-old, who won in a time of 13 minutes and 35 seconds, was delighted to take the victory and praised the event organisers. "A lot of events have been cancelled, as everyone knows, and it's just really good the community has been able to put this event on," Jones said.

"The weather held up and it was good to see so many people turn up and have a good day."

Jones said open-water swimming posed different challenges to the pool.

"In the pool, it's just you in your own little bit of water," he said. "In open water you've got other people around you, you've got waves, you got wind, currents, it makes it a bit more strategic."

Thomas, who won in 14 minutes and 28 seconds, said she was planning to tackle the entire three-leg series.

"I'm really excited. Normally it clashes with my surf lifesaving competition program but this year I'm able to do it all."

Thomas said she relished the chance to compete "against the boys" and was thrilled to win.

Cody Greenwood was the male junior winner.

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