RipSwim

03/05/2026

The ultimate challenge is not far away. The Winter Rip swim is a tribute to the first crossing done in 1971, by Doug Mew. He was the pioneer and swam without a wetsuit ! We have 28 gutsy swimmers taking this on in July. Several of them have done it before and there are numerous first timers. They will now be starting to focus their efforts to ensure they are acclimatised to the cooler waters of Port Phillip when they jump off the boat at “ The Heads”.

25/04/2026

The strength of cold water swimming in Melbourne is incredible. There are a huge number of people who swim through the year without wetsuits. For this reason, we are establishing the MELBOURNE WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP over 1500m. In the inaugural year it will be a very small event but with your support, we plan to grow it! Given the small field, there are now ONLY PLACES LEFT. If you are an enthusiastic winter swimmer who likes to race (yes, it is a race, and there will be prizes, and a perpetual trophy) then DO NOT WAIT ANY LONGER to enter. LINK UP IN BIO 👆Good luck and thanks for supporting this new event that Melbourne winter swimmers deserve.

02/04/2026

A NEW EVENT 📣🏊‍♂️🏊 The MELBOURNE WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP. June 6, Mount Martha. A 1.5k no-wetsuit race to show your winter prowess. With the incredible depth of winter swimmers here in Melbourne it is high time there was an official race and we are proud to present it. There will be a trophy and prizes for the winners. See full details in the link above and entries are now open! Limited numbers in year 1 so get in fast.

31/03/2026

On July 18, our winter Rip Swim will happen. This is the swim that honours the pioneer Doug Mew, who crossed in 1971, without a wetsuit! This year, up to 30 swimmers will take on this famous stretch of water. there are quite a few who are returning for their 2nd winter crossing and some for their 3rd! We salute each and every one of them for their courage and determination.

14/02/2026

The pure joy of swimming The Rip. This is what it’s all about!

07/02/2026

Back out in The Rip. Congratulations to the 72 brave swimmers who lined up yesterday. Thanks to our crew.

16/12/2025

14/12/2025

“Doubt never dares”. This moment is always etched in my mind. The start of a crossing. No turning back. But, it all begins with the simple decision to enter. 5 days to go.

29/11/2025

08/11/2025

Not many swims start like this! When you take on The Rip, it all starts in deep water with a jump off a ferry ⛴️ That’s not dull. This is the view of racing swimmers getting ready for the start. and .hunter won earlier this year. The race has no fixed marks so calls on all the skills that open water swimmers need~ SPEED~ENDURANCE~NAVIGATION~CUNNING and a little LUCK 🍀. Some of our young ‘guns’ are returning. Do you have what it takes to become the King or QUEEN of The Rip!?