For many years, Kirstie had little time left for herself. Between racing kids to their extra-curricular activities and working long hours as a lawyer, she felt as if she'd lost sight of her own identity. Her health and wellbeing had gradually slipped down her list of priorities.
In 2024, Kirstie was determined to change that. For Kirstie, CanToo has played a real part in her own growth. "It's one of the few things I do entirely for myself and it's given me a real sense of achievement."
"As I get older, it’s incredibly rewarding to prove to myself that I can still take on new challenges whilst also showing my children the value of perseverance and self-belief."
Joining CanToo
Growing up in Melbourne, Kirstie had never learned how to swim in the ocean. However, she was a competent pool swimmer. So naturally, when her friend suggested the 800m Warriewood Ocean Swim (2023), she thought "why not?"
Her confidence quickly wore off on event day when her nerves got the better of her. After struggling to get through the waves, a boat picked her up to take her back to the shore.
Although she initially felt embarrassed for not completing the race, Kirstie's mind-set quickly shifted after a stranger approached her for a hug and told her "You know what? A lot of people didn't even go in today because the surf is rough. You should be proud for even trying!" That moment became a life-changing experience for Kirstie, as that stranger turned out to be a long-time CanToo-er.
In the moments that followed, Kirstie learned all about CanToo, a charity that teaches you the skills to ocean swim, all while supporting you to fundraise for an incredible cause - cancer research. Kirstie's initial intrigue about CanToo was soon fogged by a feeling of intimidation about the fundraising target - she thought she'd never be able to achieve it. Thus, her CanToo journey was put on hold for a little while longer.
In memory of Laura
In August 2024, Kirstie sadly lost her childhood best friend, Laura, to cancer. Kirstie describes Laura as a go-getter - someone you'd see at the gym lifting as much as she could and constantly challenging herself, even after undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and brain radiotherapy. This significant loss in Kirstie's life motivated her to finally sign up for a CanToo swim program, to raise money and help make a difference.
Whenever things got tough, whether it was difficult training sessions or tiring fundraising attempts, Kirstie would remind herself "Laura would just try - give it a crack because you'll be surprised by what you can achieve!" And on the days when reaching out for donations felt uncomfortable, Kirstie held onto the bigger picture - the research mattered, and it could spare someone else from going through what Laura did. Channelling Laura's go-getter mindset, Kirstie discovered that achieving her fundraising target was far easier than she anticipated.
"The step to join CanToo changed my life, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without Laura's voice in my head telling me that I should go for it."
Kirstie (left) with fellow CanToo participant, Jeremie (right)
Kirstie's ocean swimming journey with CanToo
During her first Summer Ocean Swim program, Kirstie decided to take on The Big Swim, a 2.8km open ocean swim from Whale Beach to Palm Beach. In the weeks leading up to the event, she was holidaying in Sri Lanka - choosing hotels with pools suitable for training so she could strike the perfect balance between swim sessions and cocktail sessions. When it came time for The Big Swim, she put her nerves aside, dove in, and couldn't have been prouder of what she achieved.
When Kirstie reflects on her ocean swimming journey with CanToo, it's the community that stands out the most. "Everyone supports each other. Even out in the ocean, when you pop up for a breath, people ask how you're going and offer to swim alongside you. It doesn't matter if you don't feel like a strong swimmer, if you're scared, or if it's your first time - everyone remembers what it was like to be a beginner."
This year marked a significant milestone for Kirstie as she volunteered as a swim buddy for another CanToo participant, Jeremie, at Newport during his first 2km ocean swim. Being able to support someone at the start of their ocean swimming journey, just as CanToo members had supported her in previous years, was a full-circle moment.
Becoming a Surf Life Saver
After completing The Big Swim, Kirstie received an email from Whale Beach SLSC with an offer to complete her Bronze Medallion. It felt like the natural next step. She wanted to have the skills and confidence to keep her children safe if they were ever caught in the surf. With Whale Beach's notoriously challenging conditions, training was no easy feat.
Every Sunday for eight weeks, she learned rescue techniques while battling rough surf, spending much of her time ducking under waves, coming up for a breath, then diving under the next. She remembers thinking, "when are we supposed to be practicing these skills? I'm just trying to survive here!' Week after week, the conditions tested her, but she persevered.
Kirstie credits CanToo for helping her successfully complete her Bronze Medallion. "The CanToo training went hand in hand with helping me pass the fitness component," she says. "The weekly pool and ocean sessions improved my strength and skills, helping me achieve the swim time I needed."
Kirstie believes that the biggest thing that initially slowed her down was getting through the waves. The surf felt intimidating, and she often found herself waiting for the next wave, worried she wouldn't pass. But the skills she developed through CanToo, particularly the ins and outs, gave her the confidence to move through the surf, helping her smash her required time and develop a deeper understanding of the ocean.
The importance of CanToo
Because of CanToo, Kirstie has realised she is far more capable and determined than she ever thought. "I can make myself proud, and I can make my kids proud," she says. "I'm a better role model to them. Instead of hearing me complain about how tired I am, they're seeing me complete these amazing swims. They have to catch up to me now!'
For Kirstie, this journey is only the beginning. "There is so much more for me to achieve. I'm going to be a better ocean swimmer next year than I was this year. My best days are not behind me - I have so much potential."
Inspired by Kirstie's ocean swimming journey? Join our Summer Ocean Swim program today to challenge yourself, achieve new goals, and fundraise for cancer research along the way.
