This morning at 7.10am I jumped into the sea just off Point Nepean and swam across The Rip to finish at the Front Beach in Point Lonsdale. Sea conditions were difficult with water temperatures between 12C and 13C, a 10-15 knot westerly wind and a developing flood tide which grew in intensity as the swim progressed.
I finished the crossing in one hour and forty five minutes which contrasts with my summer Rip swim which took just 58 minutes, exemplifying the increased challenges of a winter crossing. The Rip swim certainly deserves its notoriety.
A small crowd of curious onlookers had gathered at the Point Lonsdale finish and gave me an impromptu, and unexpected, round of applause as I emerged from the frigid sea. It was a poignant moment given I am likely to be the first female to have completed this route under English Channel rules.
Here is a short video of my Winter Rip crossing:
riableathman.com 
You’ve done well, Ria! Just amazing. Honoured to say you were in my summer crossing team. 👏👏
LikeLike