About the swim
Robben Island crossing has been an epic swimming event for many years. The Swim is held annually to symbolise South Africa Freedom Day and Democracy on 27 April 1994. The swim is scheduled in close proximity to the Freedom Day date and is subject to change annually.
The swim was founded by Ram Barkai in 2000 and partnered with the Vista Nova School for children with learning difficulties in the Western Cape, as a its charity beneficiary. Since its inception the school has helped organising the swim, its kids participated on te swim day and significant amount of entry fees are donated to te school trust - Friends of Vista Nova.
The Freedom Swim is considered the “Everest” of every open water swimmer in South Africa
It is also the apex of the Freedom Swim Series that takes place throughout the year. The swim is known as one of the hardest extreme cold open water swims in the world.
The swim offers an unparalleled challenge to open water swimmers in South Africa and around the world. It combines the beauty and challenge of Robben Island and Table Mountain, both world-renowned sites. The swim brings together a unique mix of athletes, elite swimmers, and regular cold-water swimmers, young and old from all over South Africa.
The swim is done in the water channel between Robben Island and Big Bay mainland. The main extreme factor for open water swimmers is the water temperature which is usually around 13C / 55.4F. Since it is open to the vast Atlantic Ocean, swimmer frequently experience swell and chop similar to the English Channel.
Swimming for Good is the motto of the Freedom Swim Series. The purpose of this motto is to encourage swimmers from all facets of society, fitness, race, gender and age to take part in the Series. The swim is affiliated with Vista Nova School for children with learning impairment in the Western Cape. The relationships with Vista Nova School are an integral part of the Swim’s heritage. All additional funds raised or donated through the swim and its series are directed to SEAL – Open Water development Swimming Trust. Information on Vista Nova School and the SEAL Open Water trust is available on request.
The swim was founded by Ram Barkai in 2000 and partnered with the Vista Nova School for children with learning difficulties in the Western Cape, as a its charity beneficiary. Since its inception the school has helped organising the swim, its kids participated on te swim day and significant amount of entry fees are donated to te school trust - Friends of Vista Nova.
The Freedom Swim is considered the “Everest” of every open water swimmer in South Africa
It is also the apex of the Freedom Swim Series that takes place throughout the year. The swim is known as one of the hardest extreme cold open water swims in the world.
The swim offers an unparalleled challenge to open water swimmers in South Africa and around the world. It combines the beauty and challenge of Robben Island and Table Mountain, both world-renowned sites. The swim brings together a unique mix of athletes, elite swimmers, and regular cold-water swimmers, young and old from all over South Africa.
The swim is done in the water channel between Robben Island and Big Bay mainland. The main extreme factor for open water swimmers is the water temperature which is usually around 13C / 55.4F. Since it is open to the vast Atlantic Ocean, swimmer frequently experience swell and chop similar to the English Channel.
Swimming for Good is the motto of the Freedom Swim Series. The purpose of this motto is to encourage swimmers from all facets of society, fitness, race, gender and age to take part in the Series. The swim is affiliated with Vista Nova School for children with learning impairment in the Western Cape. The relationships with Vista Nova School are an integral part of the Swim’s heritage. All additional funds raised or donated through the swim and its series are directed to SEAL – Open Water development Swimming Trust. Information on Vista Nova School and the SEAL Open Water trust is available on request.
