The annual open-ocean swim in Lorne was unable to run as usual in 2021 due to COVID restrictions and border closures.

Instead organisers hosted virtual events allowing keen participants to take to any body of water - pool, river or dam - wherever they live to complete the swim.

Annette Baker, who helped organiser the Border's Pier to Pub adaption, Ramp to Ramp, said between 20 and 30 swimmers took to the Murray River on Saturday for the virtual event.

"Ramp to ramp it is approximately two kilometres but it's equivalent to [Pier to Pub's] 1.2 kilometres because it's downstream," she said.

"It's quite exciting, like the Pier to Pub we've got some people going hard, others who are not going to swim hard and for some it's their first river swim so we've got a canoe following the last person."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Participants were timed and will have their results uploaded to the Pier to Pub database and recorded, however there will be no official winners or place-getters in 2021.

Mrs Baker said many border residents participated in the annual Lorne event every year and were disappointed to miss out in 2021.

Albury's Nan Brandt has competed in the event for more than two decades.

"Our family have done Pier to Pub since 2021 and many people doing it [Saturday] have done the event and are event considered 'Sharkbait' for doing it ten years," Mrs Baker said.

"We want to support the efforts they've gone through to have a virtual event."

Annually Pier to Pub attracts about 5000 swimmers and 20,000 spectators.

The virtual event allows people from across the globe to participate.

Mrs Baker said both her sons, Jack and Henry, plan to take part from Montreal and Melbourne respectively.

Anyone wishing to complete the virtual Pier to Pub has until January 14 to register and swim. Details can be found at http://www.lornesurfclub.com.au/