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. The summer crossing takes place in February each year (the date is dictated by the tides). Entries usually open in September.
Successful Summer Rip Swim !
On Saturday the 7th of February, 70 swimmers crossed successfully from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale. Accompanied by a fleet of 25 craft and utilising (as always) the tide, they were all safe on dry land in 75 minutes. This crossing has officially brought our summer list up to 1000 unique swimmers, while the overall number of crossings now totals 1269 (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 which included:
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (8 IRBs), Portsea Surf Life Saving Club (3 IRBs), Surfing Victoria Jet Skis (Cahill, Todd and Jamie), 9 kayakers, Proline Fishing Charters boat as our emergency management vessel and the Searoad Ferry (Peninsula Princess). What an entourage!
We also had some return swimmers and a race. See race results here.
NEXT…
WINTER RIP SWIM - July 18 (19), 2026
The winter crossing is the ultimate challenge for cold water swimmers. It honours the original crossing completed by the pioneer Doug Mew in 1971.
Places are strictly limited due to safety so get in fast!
Click here for more information or use the link below to express your intention to swim
WATCH THE 2023 EVENT
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. 🙏🏼 ”
