Record number brave winter rip swim

THE Winter Rip Swim returned to the waters on Saturday for its fifth instalment, with its largest number of participants taking part yet.

On July 13, 35 brave swimmers completed the 3.5km crossing between Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale.

Event founder Grant Siedle said conditions on the day were pretty good, with the water temperature at about 12 degrees Celsius.

“We did have some big waves which certainly make it exciting.

“The swell and the breaking waves are always a bit of a challenge, it’s like a doubled edged sword, it’s exciting but it’s just something to keep your eye on.”

The fastest swimmer completed the crossing in 55 minutes with the 35th participant coming in after 90 minutes.

The event also included five people who were completing the crossing in winter for the second time.

All participants completed the crossing without a wetsuit, following in the tradition set by Doug Mew who was the first to complete the swim in 1971.

“We’ve now had 98 swimmers who have crossed in winter and we’re actually, for the first time, over 1,000 swims for the total number of swims across the heads since 2014.”

Jet skis, IRBs and kayakers ensured those taking on the challenge were looked after out on the water.

“Because it was a bit chilly and a bit windy, there was no other recreational craft, so it was almost like we had our own event area,” Mr Siedle said.

About 100 people headed to Point Lonsdale to welcome the swimmers in from the cold, with some participants also warming up in the mobile sauna.

The summer Rip Swim will return on February 1 along with the popular Rip Race event. Entries open on August 1.

For more information, head to ripswim.com.au