Adventure
awaits!
#iswimhappy
DIVE IN!
Whether you're dipping your toes into open water swimming for the very first time or you're a seasoned veteran with multiple English Channel crossings under your belt, we welcome you to continue your aquatic adventures with us.
Australia's stunning natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable swimming experiences, and we're here to help you make the most of it.
Come dive into Australia's incredible crystal-clear waters, from the sun-kissed shores of Queensland to Tasmania's wild and stunning coastlines and waterways. From serene coastal bays to vibrant marine parks, you'll discover breathtaking locations.
You'll have the chance to make new friends who share your passion, creating lasting memories both in and out of the water.
Looking to improve your technique? Our events often include opportunities for guidance and tips, helping you become a more efficient and confident swimmer. Or perhaps you're ready to kick some goals, whether it's completing your first open water race, achieving a personal best, or simply enjoying the challenge of a longer swim. Whatever your ambition, our community and events provide the perfect environment to achieve it. Come join us and discover the exhilarating world of Australian open water swimming!
We are dedicated to promoting and facilitating open water swimming activities in both Queensland and Tasmania. In Queensland, our efforts primarily revolve around the scenic Keppel Islands, where we organize various swimming challenges, including demanding island circumnavigations and shorter distance options. There’s Also opportunities for individual challenges throughout the year and a swimming camps in warmer waters.
In Tasmania, we support a range of long-distance swims across significant waterways and offer training camps in colder environments.
Our overall aim is to encourage participation in open water swimming for individuals of all skill levels, fostering both competitive pursuits and recreational enjoyment in diverse aquatic settings.
You’re in great hands
Meet the legends behind our open water swimming events.
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Val
Keppel Islands Swimming Association
Two-time Olympian for Latvia, Val Kalmikovs has been coaching swimmers since the early 90’s in Russia, Latvia, the USA and Australia. An experienced marathon swimmer, Val is also an exceptional pilot assisting swimmers on the Derwent River Big Swim. The event organiser of Swim Around Keppel, Cliff to Bridge and Warm Water Camps in the Keppels, Val is the founder of the Keppel Islands Swimming Association. Known for his hair, he’s just an avid lover of the water.
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Joy
Aqualification & Fitness
Australian Representative Joy Symons has over 30 years of international experience in the aquatic industry. From learn to swim to coaching, Joy is an avid teacher/coach of technique and helping swimmers understand the science of swimming. Joy has completed multiple marathon swims but also enjoys ice swimming having completed an official ice mile. With a passion for the arts, she continues to find ways to combine her artistic abilities with swimming and water safety.
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Vlad
VladSwim
Vlad Mravec runs the Vladswim program in Sydney, covering all swimming levels from stroke correction to a 2-hour intensive squad session. In 1995 he became a swim coach by successfully completing a Master’s Degree at the University of Physical Education of Sport for Swimming. Vlad provides interesting and effective pool and ocean swim sessions covering all intensity levels and skills to help swimmers achieve their long-distance goals and plan for specific endurance swim events.
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The Two Grants
Yoga & Massage
Grant Wolf and Grant King have each been qualified professional masseurs for a decade or so, currently operating from their beachside home at Bangalee on the Capricorn Coast. They use a combination of Sports, Remedial, Kahuna, Shiatsu and Therapeutic massage techniques to create unique, health-enforcing and healing experiences on the table. They are excited to be offering yoga and massage sessions at this year's Warm Water Camps on Great Keppel Island in June, July & October.
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Christie
Sports Dietitian
Christie Robson is an Accredited Sports Dietitian and Age Group Australian representative Triathlete, racing in every triathlon distance from enticer to full Ironman Triathlon. She has been working with marathon swimmers for the past 5 years, supporting over 100 successful swimmers worldwide. Christie works solely online and has a passion for creating unique and personalised nutrition plans, for both training and events. She offers a range of packages so you can be your personal best.
Your new adventure is just a click away
TASMANIA
Derwent river big swim
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Tasmanian wild west series
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cliff2bridge
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cold water camp
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iron pot
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bruny island
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gordon river
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lake pedder
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Derwent river big swim ~ Tasmanian wild west series ~ cliff2bridge ~ cold water camp ~ iron pot ~ bruny island ~ gordon river ~ lake pedder ~
join us for an unparalleled adventure in Tasmania's wild and beautiful waters. We offer a series of incredible open-water swims and camps that cater to every level of swimmer, from those seeking a personal challenge to those training for the world's toughest marathons.
Derwent River Big Swim is a a marathon swim from the New Norfolk Bridge to the Tasman Bridge, and part of the Australian Triple Crown of Marathon Swimming. You’ll be in the best of hands with Val, the legendary pilot for the Derwent River Big Swim. Val's knowledge of the Derwent's tides, currents, and moods is second to none. His careful planning and unwavering support ensure every swimmer feels safe, confident, and ready to conquer the mighty river.
Cliff to Bridge 15km swim is a perfect introduction to the Derwent, starting at New Norfolk and finishing at the Bridgewater Bridge.
For the truly dedicated, the Iron Pot and Bruny Island Challenge offers distances from ~24km to ~60km, taking you from the river's bridges to the historic Iron Pot Lighthouse at the mouth of the Derwent, where you'll face the powerful currents of Storm Bay.
The Tasmanian Wild West Series is a pioneering multi-day expedition into the island's most remote aquatic landscapes. The series includes a ~24.5km swim on the Gordon River, a challenging ~21km journey on Lake Pedder, and a ~22.5km swim from the Tasman Bridge to the Iron Pot. These are not just swims; they are a deep dive into Tasmania's untamed heart.
Our Cold Water Camp in Hobart provides the perfect opportunity to prepare for major channel swims. We offer qualifying swims in the Derwent's chilly waters, with guided sessions and expert support to help you acclimate and build endurance.
Keppel Islands
Queensland
Experience the magic of the Keppel Islands with the Keppel Islands Swimming Association (KISA)! We invite you to join our series of incredible open-water swims, each one offering a unique and unforgettable adventure in this tropical paradise.
Our flagship event, Swim Around Keppel (SAK), is more than just a race—it's a swimming festival! The main event is the iconic ~20km circumnavigation of Great Keppel Island, a true marathon swim that rewards you with breathtaking views of 17 pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. But SAK offers something for everyone, with shorter 1km and 6km swims also on offer, perfect for new swimmers and families. The 6km circumnavigation of Middle Island is a particularly beautiful and accessible challenge, often part of the SAK festivities.
For those seeking the ultimate challenge, the Keppel Trident is our three-stage open-water series, a trilogy of swims totaling over 73km. This is a quest for the truly dedicated, a demanding test of endurance and skill that only a few have ever conquered.
Beyond these events, KISA also offers tailored solo swims and all-inclusive "warm water" camps, providing a perfect opportunity to train, learn, and enjoy the stunning waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Come swim happy with us!