Frequently asked questions
HOW FAR IS THE SWIM?
It is 3.5km in summer and 3.2km in winter. The difference is that the summer swim swings in to land at the front beach and this adds a little distance. This is usually with the incoming tide so does not make the swim any harder. The winter swim lands at the Point Lonsdale pier so is a more direct line.
WHEN ARE THE SWIMS?
The 2025 Summer swim will be on the 1st of February, with a backup date of the2nd.
The 2024 Winter swim will be held on July the 13th.
WHEN DO ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE SUMMER SWIM?
Entries will open in July.
HOW FAST DO I NEED TO BE?
You will have a better chance of success if you can swim under 66 minutes for 3 km. If you are a little slower than this don’t give up!
HOW DO I BOOK A SWIM ?
You can book on our sign up page, or for winter, on the Winter page.
WHERE DOES THE SWIM START AND FINISH?
The swim starts in deep water off Point Nepean and finishes at Point Lonsdale front beach. See the map here. (Scroll right down!)
WHY DOES THE SUMMER SWIM FINISH AT THE FRONT BEACH AND NOT THE PIER?
The summer swim now has larger numbers and this makes landing at the pier impractical due to rocks and limited space. If you are keen to land at the pier, come and do our winter swim!
CAN I SWIM AS A TEAM?
Yes, but each swimmer completes the entire distance. In the summer, you can swim in a team of 4, 5 or 6. In winter, teams are a maximum of 4. Your team must stay together throughout the crossing.
CAN I SWIM SOLO?
Yes you can. We will then manage you with rescue boats and Jet Ski’s and help you to navigate by guiding you and briefing you thoroughly before the day of your crossing.
DO YOU SUPPLY A PADDLER?
If you want a dedicated paddler we will supply one for you. The cost is $300 and you can split that with members of your team (up to 4 in winter and 6 in summer)
WHAT IS THE WATER TEMPERATURE?
The water temperature is about 17 degrees Celsius in the summer and about 12 degrees Celsius in the winter.
DO YOU HOLD ANY TRAINING SESSIONS?
Yes we do. These will be announced as we get closer to each swim.
CAN I WEAR A WETSUIT?
For the summer swim, yes you can. For the winter swim, there are no wetsuits allowed. While this may seem illogical, the winter swim is set as an additional challenge for swimmers looking to take on the elements and for those that may have already done the swim in summer.
CAN I WEAR FINS?
No you cannot. You must swim unaided.
DO I HAVE TO QUALIFY?
Yes. ALL swimmers will need to complete a qualifying swim to show that they are ready.
WHEN ARE THE QUALIFYING SWIMS?
They will be announced as each event comes around.
WHAT IF I CANNOT ATTEND A QUALIFYING SWIM?
If you can’t make it to a qualifying swim you will need to show evidence that you are prepared.
WHAT IF I ENTER AND THEN DON’T MAKE THE QUALIFYING SWIM?
If this happens we will refund you 75% of your entry fee.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
Your safety is our primary concern. We have developed a safety plan that includes input from many expert sources and from the experience of having escorted over 904 swimmers across safely over 10 years.
With the most experienced skippers and kayakers, we seek to mitigate any situation that may affect you before, during and after the crossing. We ask that you do your utmost to prepare yourselves physically for the challenge and let us know if you have any medical concerns of relevance before the swim.
WHAT IS THE CANCELATION POLICY? (please read this carefully)
If your swim day is cancelled, you will get a chance to swim the following day. You must make yourself available for both days. If that 2nd day is cancelled, we will endeavour to book you on another crossing day of our choosing within the next month.
Please keep in mind that the dates we choose are dictated by the tides. In most cases we will be able to let you know about a cancellation 24 hours prior to the swim.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
We are always willing to honour your payment with another swim on another date if possible. If we have to cancel both dates of your swim and proposed a third or 4th date and you cannot make it, we will issue you a 50% refund. If you are sick or injured and can provide a medical certificate to say why you cannot take part, we will issue you with an 50% refund.
THE CHALLENGE OF THE SWIM
The distance from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale front beach, where you will land is 3.5 but the swim can feel more like a 4.5 due to water movements and weather conditions, so you need to train accordingly. We select the best tides, but you must be able to swim strongly even at the end of your swim when water movement can be significant. Make sure you are fit enough to manage choppy and confused water.
SUMMER VERSUS WINTER SEASON SWIMS
The winter swim is done without wetsuits to offer a more substantial challenge to regular winter swimmers. The water is close to 12 degrees Celsius.
Before you complete the winter Rip Swim you must provide evidence of being able to tolerate the cold. Read more here…
LOGISTICS ON YOUR SWIM DAY
On your crossing day, you will meet our team at Queenscliff Harbour or Sorrento Pier. From there you will be taken (via boat) to Point Nepean where you will start your swim from deep water. Your swim will finish at Point Lonsdale, which is 5km from Queenscliff. Further details will be sent to upon booking to explain every detail.
MORE ABOUT “THE RIP”
“The Rip” lies at the entrance to Port Phillip, Melbourne, Australia. Due to strong tides and unpredictable weather it is one of the most notorious stretches of water anywhere in the world. Thanks to a new project launched in 2014, it can now be swum safely.
SAFE PASSAGE WITH US
We are the only group working closely with the Ports Victoria to ensure a safe crossing of the shipping lane. Now, they actually stop the ships for us. When you book a Rip Swim with us you are ensured of a safe passage across the most dangerous stretch of water in Australia. Do not attempt to do this by yourself or with any other group. Our track record is unblemished and we use only surveyed boats and highly trained skippers. We have a world-class risk and safety management plan in place.
SAFETY – THE ONLY ENDORSED AGENCY
Your safety is our paramount concern. We have taken 782 swimmers across this unpredictable stretch of water since 2014. All swimmers must follow our instructions at all times. Our boats will carry essential safety, medical and rescue equipment and we have a doctor and paramedic on the trip. Further safety instructions will be issued to you when you book your swim. Our craft are extremely safe to pick you up from the water should an emergency arise.
PROJECT SUMMARY
To date, 904 swimmers have crossed successfully under our guidance. Average crossing time is around 70 minutes.