Point Nepean
to
Point Lonsdale
Welcome to The Rip Swim
“The Rip” is an infamous stretch of water in Victoria, Australia. Less people have swum it than the English Channel. Situated at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, the ‘gateway’ to Melbourne, it offers swimmers the chance to experience something truly unforgettable. The swim is 3.5km and begins in deep water at Point Nepean, by hopping in off a ferry! Unlike other events, there are no fixed marks. See images below to get a feel for the event and read more on our FAQ page.
2027 Summer crossing
SOLD OUT (waiting list button below)
The date for the 2027 crossing is February 6. Next year will be a smaller crossing with only 30 places available.
If you are keen to be involved, you need to book your deposit. ($100, non-refundable).
The deposit is the first step to swimming The Rip.
Full cost of the swim is $900.
This includes the qualifying swim dates, all boat transfers, safety, merchandise, high safety ratios, a dedicated kayaker for a group of 3 - 6, and back up dates!)
This trip is now sold out. If you would like to go on a waiting list, click below
Winter crossing tomorrow success! July 18, 10.45am
Successful 2026 Winter Rip Swim !
On Saturday the 18th of July, 26 swimmers crossed successfully from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale. They were all safe on dry land within 90 minutes. This crossing has officially brought our winter list over 100 and 1 swimmer - Veronica van Wyk - has now completed a total of 10 crossings! The overall number of crossings now totals 1285 (includes summer, winter and double crossings).
Congratulations to all the swimmers who took part - they have earned their place on the honour board!
A big thanks goes to our water safety team!
Travelling? See us on KAYAK.
Swimmer reviews
Swimmer testimonials (2026)
“Grant Siedle and the Rip Swim safety and support crew really made a tough challenge seem achievable.
Crossing the RIP in winter without a wetsuit is no small feat. Knowing the local tides, currents and water behaviour inside out is crucial for a safe and successful crossing.
Each group was watched over by a kayak, supported by jet skis, a speedboat and the charter vessel, which gave us complete confidence to concentrate on the swim.
Before us, fewer than 100 people had ever made a winter RIP crossing without a wetsuit.
Grant’s professionalism and care made that achievement possible, and safe. An experience I will never forget.
”
“Outstanding job Grant, what a wonderful event and it felt safe and extremely well managed from the get go!
It really was a gift to lie on my back in the middle of the channel and take the beauty of the heads in, simply spectacular.
I hope that you and your team enjoyed a quite moment of reflection and satisfaction on Sat after giving so many of us this wonderful opportunity.”
“I cannot thank Grant and his support team enough for such a wonderful adventure swimming the Rip !
From my first contact with Grant back in September, I always felt like I was in safe, professional hands. The swim itself was amazing and ran in a very safe and highly professional manner.
I would strongly recommend it to any capable swimmer looking for a great adventure. Wishing all the very best to Grant and all the organisers of the Rip Swim! ”
“The Rip” - Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia.
WATCH THE 2023 EVENT
MORE TESTIMONIALS
“A huge shout out to The Rip team for organising such an incredible event, and how blessed we are to have been visitors in such a spectacular body of water for a short time. An absolute sporting highlight.
Grant and the team were meticulous in their organisation and support - both in the lead up and on the day. Thanks to all of you!
We’ll be back.”
““I struggle to find the right superlatives to describe the Rip Swim. It was one of the most intimidating but most rewarding sporting events I have ever done. The superb organisation of the actual day quickly allowed me to enjoy the excitement of the experience and put any anxieties aside. Sharing the experience with the team only made it more enjoyable (and achievable!). I won’t forget the feeling of putting my feet down on the sand at Point Lonsdale for a long time. Looking forward to joining a team for the next one!””
“We have been looking at “The Rip” in awe for 40+ years. As a nipper on the front beach in the 1970s we were told endless stories of its power and unpredictability. So when a group of us who were nippers together started talking about the prospect of swimming the Rip it was with a feeling of trepidation that I agreed. The swim was tough but we were well prepared. I must say, being out in the middle of the Heads stopping and taking in the enormity of that body of water is something that will stay with me. The party after the swim was pretty good too!”
”
“Completed the Rip Crossing on Sat 3rd Feb. What a great event. Well done to Grant and your team. I will be back again, and will be telling all the swimmers I know that this is a ‘Must Do’ swim. Keep up the good work and look forward to further editions over the coming years.”
“Amazing day. Have grown up wondering what it would be like to do it since I was a kid. Thanks for making it possible to achieve. Such a great experience to share with like minded mates”
“Thanks Rip Swim!! Great organisation, communication, safety and fun spirit. 🙏🏼 ”