Red’s Top Open Water Swimming Events In Perth 2024/2025

Written by Lydia Burdett / May 2025

The 2024/25 Australian open water swimming season has been one to remember. At Red, we’re proud to have supported several of Perth’s best-loved open water swimming events, celebrating the passion, grit, and community that define a sport we love.

For us, these open water swimming events showcase what open water swim racing is all about – challenging yourself, connecting with others, and soaking up the beauty of our coastal landscapes. Here’s a closer look at some of our highlights from this past season, and why we’re already looking forward to next time...

Christmas 10k Swim – Coogee Beach

Held each December at Perth’s Coogee Beach, the Christmas 10k Swim has become something of a festive tradition. For many, it’s a qualifier for the Rottnest Channel Swim – and is great prep for that crossing. But with shorter options of 3.4km ‘Santa’s Lap’ or 1.6km ‘Merry Mile’, it’s also a community event that welcomes swimmers of all levels.

Set in calm, clear waters just south of Fremantle, the atmosphere is fun but focused – from serious contenders logging a qualifying time, to swimmers in novelty hats taking on their first ocean challenge. For us, it’s a great open water swimming event to kick off the season and connect with swimmers ahead of the holidays.

Photo Credits: Faze Photography

Swim Thru Perth – Matilda Bay

Dating back well over a century since its inaugural race in 1912, Swim Thru Perth is the oldest open water swim in Australia. Another of the WOW Swims series, it’s a celebration of endurance, tradition, and the serene Swan River.

The open water swimming event offers a choice of distances – 800m ‘Matilda Splash’, 1.6km ‘Classic Mile’ and 3.5km ‘Challenge’ – all taking place in the sheltered waters of Matilda Bay in January. It’s one of those events where everyone from junior swimmers to veterans of the sport come together for a classic summer swim. We love its sense of heritage and community, and it was great to be there this season.

Rottnest Channel Swim – Cottesloe to Rottnest Island

For many, this is the big one. February’s Rottnest Channel Swim is recognised as one of the world’s largest and most challenging open water swimming races – a 19.7km ocean crossing from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island. Swimmers can enter solo or in teams, but either way it’s a serious test of endurance.

This year, we proudly supported the winning team of four, comprising Andy Donaldson, Paul Laver, Travis Nederpelt and Robbie Bonsall – you can read more about their experience here. From the early morning buzz on the beach to the incredible sense of achievement at Thomson Bay, it’s a day unlike any other on the Aussie swim calendar.

Photo Credits: Faze Photography

Champs of the Bay – Rottnest Island

Just for kids, the day after the Channel Swim, Champs of the Bay is all about inspiring the next generation. Open to anyone aged 7 to 14, this open water swimming event offers a rare chance for young swimmers to take part in an open water event at iconic Rottnest Island.

With distances ranging from 150m to 600m in the calm waters of Thomson Bay, it’s a fun, inclusive introduction to competitive ocean swimming. It’s also a great day out for families – and a reminder that open water swimming really is for everyone.

Photo Credits: Faze Photography

Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim

Rounding out the season in early March, Coogee Jetty to Jetty is another community favourite. This is a swim with a real local feel – but it still draws over 1,000 swimmers across a range of distances, including 250m, 750m and 1500m.

The event takes place between the two historic jetties at Coogee Beach, offering calm waters, great support, and a brilliant shoreline atmosphere. It’s one of the more accessible swims on the calendar, perfect for newcomers looking to get a taste of ocean swimming events in a friendly setting.

Photo Credit: Dayanidhi Das

Why We Support These Open Water Swimming Events

At Red, we believe the water brings people together. From the nervous energy on the start line to the shared achievement at the finish, open water swimming events are quite special.

Supporting events like these helps us connect with swimmers face-to-face, listen to their stories, and ensure our kit continues to meet the needs of real people. It also lets us give back to a community that inspires us every season.

Explore our swim kit

If you’re planning on getting involved next summer, check out our full Swim Collection to help you prepare. From the Pursuit Lightweight Change Jacket to our Waterproof Tote Bag, we’ve designed every product to support your time by the water.

Until next season – see you out there...

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