The Sydney Skinny Ocean Swim

by Gill Oscar (subscribe)

Event: 23/02/2014

Despite our modern fixation with consumer goods and artifice, there is something healing about getting back to basics, even if just for a couple of hours. Having pristine National Parks right on on our doorstep in Sydney helps us do just that: not many of the world's great cities can say the same.

Another way of getting back to basics is skinny dipping. If you've tried it, you'll understand the pleasure of water lapping against bare skin; the frisson of breaking with convention; and the freedom of leaving your carefully assembled public persona on the beach with your clothes.




Here's your chance to go skinny dipping in a beautiful environment while also doing your bit to protect the heritage of our National Parks. It's a perfect reason to set your swimsuit aside if you never have before.

The Sydney Skinny is an organised community skinny dipping event to raise money for the preservation of Sydney Harbour National Parks and Wildlife. Last year 750 people participated -n the inaugural event, and the sense of exhilarated camaraderie was obvious. This year's swim is at Cobblers Beach on Sunday 23 February.



Participants can choose to complete either a Novice 300m swim, or the full Sydney Skinny swim of 900m. It's about enjoyment, not racing. You won't be timed, and you're welcome to bring your snorkel set, your kickboard or whatever will help you make the distance. With calm water guaranteed, it's truly a swimming event for everyone.

Only participating swimmers over the age of 18 will be allowed on the beach for this event, and coverall wraps are available for while you aren't in the water. As you'll see in the photos, the nudie experience is (thankfully) restricted to the water. And to the publicity from one of the event's major sponsors, in what is a truly apt partnership.



Your non-swimming friends can wait for you in the Sydney Skinny festival area, on the top of headland, where there will be food, drink and arts to enjoy. You'll enjoy complimentary food and drink as part of your event entry fee.

The Sydney Skinny is the only event of its kind in the world, as far as the organisers are aware. So get involved to help keep Sydney unique. If nothing else, you'll have a great story to tell when you're asked what you've been up to over the weekend.

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Why? Reconnect with your sense of adventure

When: Sunday 23 Feb 2014, 9 am to 3 pm

Website: www.thesydneyskinny.com.au

Where: Cobblers Beach, Middle Head Sydney Harbour National Park

Cost: $35 if pre-booked, $40 on the day