AUSTRALIA’S MOST THRILLING OCEAN SWIM

The 3.5km stretch from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale front beach is the most thrilling open water swim in Australia and you can now swim it safely with us. The crossing can be completed in a team (of similar speed as you need to stick together)or as a solo swimmer. Most crossings take between 60 - 75 minutes but it is important to be prepared for a longer swim due to unpredictable tides and choppy seas.

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NEXT SUMMER CROSSING

FEBRUARY 1, 2025 (Back up date 2nd of February)

Our date for 2025 is now locked in. If you are keen to take on the swim, now is the time to start some planning and some training!

Please note that more details will be posted on our site in June/July and entries will open in August. In the meantime, here are some basic things to consider.

Some questions to consider:

1. Will you swim solo?

2. Will you race?

3. Would you prefer to swim as a team? (you need to find swimmers that are the same speed)

4. What is your speed over 3km in the Open Water? (we recommend less than 66 minutes for a better chance to succeed)

5. Will you wear a wetsuit? The water temperature will be approximately 17/18 degrees Celsius.

6. Do you want a dedicated kayaker to guide you? (If not you will still be managed by our safety boats and Jet Skis)

7. Are you available to swim on both days? (1 & 2nd of February - 2nd is our back up date and you need to be available in case we strike bad weather)

HOW TO ENTER

1. Form a team of 4, 5 or 6 or swim solo (either cruising our racing)

2. Complete the entry process (opening in August)

3. Complete your qualification swim (dates to be advised) to show us you are ready (or supply evidence verified by a coach)

Here are some tips to get you started.

• Make sure you can swim at least 3.5 km at a steady pace

• Try and get your speed down as close to 20 minutes per km as you can.

• Decide whether you are swimming with or without a wetsuit (water temperature will be about 18 degrees Celsius).

• Start recruiting a team of 4, 5 or 6 swimmers of the same speed. (Or swim solo - either racing or cruising)

• Come to one of our training/information sessions that will take place in September, October, or November. (dates to be advised)

• Complete your qualifying swim with your full team. We will advise you when and how to do this.

LOGISTICS

On the day of your crossing, you will be taken from the Queenscliff Harbour to the start (deep water near Point Nepean) by boat. From there you will swim to Point Lonsdale, aiming for the front beach near the shops. All other details will be sent to you closer to the time of your swim.

QUALIFYING TO SWIM

SUMMER: Complete a 75 minute swim with your team and cover a minimum of 3km in that time.

WINTER: Complete a 75 minute swim in water less than 12 degrees, without a wetsuit.

WATER TEMPERATURE on a RIP SWIM

The water temperature is about 17 - 18 degrees Celsius for our summer swims and about 11-12 degrees on our winter crossing.

INFORMATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS

We will be running 3 information and training sessions. These are very helpful to learn more about the swim, meet other swimmers to form a team and get some advice about how to prepare for the day of your crossing.

The sessions are at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Facility in Albert Park - details to come very soon.

HOW TO PREPARE

Swimming across “The Rip” is different to other swims as you need to do it with a group of swimmers at the same speed. You also need to be able to handle some choppy conditions. You should train consistently leading up to your Rip Swim and be ready for about a 4km swim in rough seas to give yourself the best chance of success.

WETSUITS

You can wear a wetsuit during your crossing if you are worried about being cold. The temperature is likely to be about 17/18 degrees in summer.

No wetsuits are allowed on our winter crossing, where the water will be about 11/12 degrees. This is to honour the original crossing by Douglas Mew in 1971 and to give swimmers an additional challenge.

TIDES EXPLAINED

The tide changes every 6 hours. Given the narrow entrance to Port Phillip, the movement of water both in and out can be very strong. Swimming The Rip is not possible on strong tides and is also very dangerous. The water can flow up to 15km per hour. We pick tides that have the weakest predicted water flows to improve your chance of success. We understand the tides well and have looked carefully at the data. As always, mother nature plays her part, but we can minimise the surprises she has for us!