Bellarine Open Water Experience
Bellarine, Victoria - Coming in 2026
2 full days, 1 Saturday night
The Bellarine is a magnificent location in Victoria Australia. It features spectacular ocean views, wineries and as the Western peninsula of Port Philip, it is the gateway to Melbourne. The water is always clean as the tide sweeps in and out every 6 hours in the famous Port Phillip Heads.
Swimming here is an absolute delight and there are multiple options to gain an enormous amount of skills and experience. The calmer bay can be used of course, but just outside the heads there is also an option to swim in surf conditions at the Point Lonsdale back beach. There is a lot to be learned by doing this!
Along with this, there are some wonderful restaurants, an atmospheric pub, cute little cafes and op-shops, and a majestic lookout point situated at the Queenscliff harbour.
What to expect
Our focus is helping you to get the most satisfaction from your swimming experiences. We will be doing 3 - 4 open water swims in different locations, and there will, of course, also also be time for some light-hearted fun!
We want you to really enjoy the weekend and feel comfortable and supported.
We will also be throwing in one or two elements that are not listed here to make sure you have an unforgettable time. These will be fun and somewhat different to what you may have experienced on any other swimming camp. Below are the main elements of the weekend.
Who is running the camp ?
Grant Siedle - a coach with 30 years of experience - will be leading the camp. Grant has coached swimmers of all levels in both the pool and the open water. He is also the founder of The Rip Swim and many other open water events. He has a vast amount of experience when it comes to planning and leading adventures in the open water. Grant is a friendly and engaging person with a good sense of humour so you can expect a few laughs along the way!
The rest of the team will be announced closer to the time but you can rest assured that they will be experienced, knowledgable and enthusiastic and will have worked with Grant for many years.
Safety
Each swim will be carefully planned. There will be a kayak presence (1:10) on the water with you at all times to keep you safe and guide you. Kayakers will be working with VHF radios so they can communicate with each other and, if need be, emergency services.
Schedule
3 - 4 open water guided swims - Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning (potentially 1 in surf conditions, weather dependant)
Swims will range from 1.5 - 3km and you will have the option to shorten your swim if you need to, depengin ont he conditions and how you feel on the day
Each session will be a mix of steady swimming, shorter bursts of speed, a few drills, navigation exercises and some fun races!
Discussions about training, events, cold-water acclimatisation and anything else that may arise!
We may point out some technical aspects but these will be general in nature given the size of the group and the fact that we are in an open water environment
Group dinner on Saturday night
Light walks - optional
Strength and flexibility work - some ideas to keep you in shape for future swims!
COST: $350 per person *
Accommodation is not included.
We recommend you stay at the Point Lonsdale Guesthouse - click here to see this place - a 2 minute walk from the beach!
Breakfast is included if you stay there
*You will need to pay for anything that is not included in the list below.
What else is included in the cost:
All sessions by Grant Siedle - Rip Swim director and coach of 30 years
Safety kayaker at each session (at least 1 kayaker to 10 swimmers)
All discussion sessions and training advice throughout the experience
Dinner on Saturday night (byo drinks)
Certificate of attendance and achievement
No-swimming Partners
If you would like to bring a non-swimming partner that is fine. There will be plenty for them to do and we will do our best to include them! No additional charge.
Swimming ability for the camp
This weekend is designed for intermediate to advanced swimmers. You should be able to swim at least 1.5km comfortably without stopping. The water will be approximately 14 - 16 degrees Celsius. If you want to wear a wetsuit that is absolutely fine. If you are uncertain about whether you are at the right standard for the weekend or wish to discuss any further details, please email us at info@ripswim.com.au.
