1km & 2.5km
Summer Ocean Swim
Let's get back in the ocean safely this summer, together.
Build your confidence and improve your swimming.
Super early bird offer of $200 currently available until 25 August. Register now to save!
What to expect
When
Train once a week in your local swimming pool and once a week at the beach from w/c 2 November 2026 - 7 February 2027 with your fellow CanToo community and experienced CanToo Coaches.
Get fit
Whether you're a confident swimmer chasing new distances or still finding your feet in open water, our coached sessions will help you build strength, technique and ocean confidence at your own pace.
Price
Register early to save!
Super early bird: $200
Register by 25 August before prices rise.
Early bird: $225
From 26 August - 25 September
Standard price: $250
From 26 September - 28 October
Fundraise
While you challenge yourself, you'll also be challenging cancer. Throughout the program, you'll raise $1,200 to support critical cancer research, helping to change the lives of people affected by cancer.
Distance
For this year's Summer Ocean Swim program, pick your goal distance between 1km, 2.5km or 5km.
1km - must be able to swim 100m non-stop freestyle
2km - must be able to swim 200m non-stop freestyle
5km - have completed a CanToo 2km program and completed 2.5km ocean swim event
To join our 5km program, click here.
Goal events
You can choose to take part in as many events as you like, but please note event tickets are not included within the program.
1. Newport Pool to Peak - 3 January 2027
2. The Big Swim, Palm Beach - 24 January 2027
3. Shark Island Swim, Cronulla - 31 January 2027
4. North Bondi Classic, Bondi Beach - 7 February
Our Summer Ocean Swim Program will train you for the following events. You can choose to take part in as many events as you like, but please note event tickets are not included within the program.
1. Newport Pool to Peak
2. The Big Swim, Palm Beach
3. Shark Island Swim, Cronulla
4. North Bondi Classic, Bondi Beach
Please note: Your CanToo program fee covers coaching and admin costs. Pool entry is not covered as part of your program fee. My Fitness Passports cannot be used to gain entry to pools for any CanToo programs. Payment must be made at the pool upon entry. If you plan to take part in an official event, event entry is payable separately through the relevant event website.
Available training pods
Select your preferred beach below and select the + icon to see which Pods we have available.
Newport Beach Pods
Suitable for swimmers looking for a challenge and parents wanting to gain skill and confidence to support your nipper in the water.
Your beach Coach will be Zoe Warrener.
Terrey Hills Swim Club Pod
Pool session: Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm
Beach session: Sundays 8:50am - 10am
Pool Coach: Zoe Warrener
Manly Beach Pods
Train at Manly to get comfortable in the ocean and enjoy swimming in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
Your beach Coach will be Sean Davis.
Aqua Culture Swim Academy Brookvale Pod
Pool session: Wednesdays 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Beach session: 1km swimmers at 8:15am - 10am / 2.5km swimmers at 9:30am - 11:15am
Pool Coach: Sean Davis
Aqua Culture Swim Academy Brookvale Pod
Pool session: Thursdays 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Beach session: 1km swimmers at 8:15am - 10am / 2.5km swimmers at 9:30am - 11:15am
Pool Coach: Sean Davis
Aqua Culture Swim Centre MacPark Pod
Pool session: Thursdays 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Beach session: 1km swimmers at 8:15am - 10am / 2.5km swimmers at 9:30am - 11:15am
Pool Coach: TBC
Elouera Beach Pods
For experienced swimmers, train at Elouera to build comfort in the ocean and handle challenging surf.
Your beach Coach will be Michael Byrne.
Engadine Leisure Centre Pod
Pool session: Mondays 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Beach session: 8am - 10am for both 1km and 2.5km swimmers
Pool Coach: Craig Stevens
Engadine Leisure Centre Pod
Pool session: Tuesdays 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Beach session: 8am - 10am for both 1km and 2.5km swimmers
Pool Coach: Craig Stevens
Mona Vale Pods
Sharpen your surf skills at Mona Vale and improve your goal event day start.
Your beach Coaches will be Sam Wolf, Kieran Gallagher and Kirsty Grace.
Warringah Aquatic Centre Pod
Pool session: Tuesdays 6:30pm - 8pm
Beach session: Saturdays - 1km swimmers at 8:30am - 10am / 2.5km swimmers at 9:30am - 11:15am
Pool Coach: Pete Reiter
Warringah Aquatic Centre Pod
Pool session: Thursdays 6:30pm - 8pm
Beach session: Saturdays - 1km swimmers at 8:30am - 10am / 2.5km swimmers at 9:30am - 11:15am
Pool Coach: Pete Reiter
Narrabeen Swim Academy Pod
Pool session: Wednesdays 7pm - 8:30pm
Beach session: Saturdays - 1km swimmers at 8:30am - 10am / 2.5km swimmers at 9:30am - 11:15am
Pool Coach: Kieran Gallagher
Lane Cove Aquatic Pod
Pool session: Thursdays 6:30pm - 8pm
Beach session: Saturdays - 1km swimmers at 8:30am - 10am / 2.5km swimmers at 9:30am - 11:15am
Pool Coach: Tim Collins
Bondi Beach Pods
Train at Bondi and experience one of the world's most iconic surf beaches.
Your beach Coaches will be Paul Myatt, Toni Darben, Karen Briffa and Suzie Maroney.
Prince Alfred Park Pool Pod
Pool session: Wednesdays 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Beach session: Saturdays 7:45am - 9:15am
Pool Coach: Angie Stevenson
Victoria Park Pool Pod
Pool session: Tuesdays 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Beach session: Saturdays 7:45am - 9:15am
Pool Coach: Paul Myatt
Andrew "Boy" Charlton Pod
Pool session: Mondays 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Beach session: Saturdays 9am - 10:30am
Pool Coach: Toni Darben
UNSW Pod
Pool session: Tuesdays 6am - 7:15am
Beach session: Saturdays 9am - 10:30am
Pool Coach: Karen Briffa
"CanToo is time for myself and proving that I can still achieve things after 40!
I grew up in Melbourne, so I never learned how to ocean swim. Through the CanToo sessions, I finally learned techniques to swim through the surf confidently.
Having people there training for the same events and support from the safety crew meant that I've had positive experience after positive experience in the ocean!"
- Kirstie, CanToo participant
The difference you can make
By taking part in our Summer Ocean Swim program, not only will you be challenging yourself and improving your own health and fitness, but the money you raise throughout the program could help change and save the lives of other people too.
Every dollar you raise will help CanToo's ongoing work, from supporting our growing portfolio of programs, to funding new and innovative cancer researchers who are looking to find new ways to prevent, treat and ultimately cure cancer.
Signing up today is the first step you can take to make a wonderful difference for people in Australia and around the world.
Ready to register?
Thank you to the Audi Foundation, our official partner for our 2027 Summer Ocean Swim program.
Through their generous support, the Audi Foundation is helping to power our dual mission: training individuals to achieve personal goals, and increasing funding for life-saving cancer research.
FAQs
If we haven't answered your question below, send us an email at info@cantoo.org.au and we'll be happy to help.
What can I expect during my training sessions?
Your pool sessions will typically focus on:
- Refreshing your swim skills
- Building base swimming fitness
- Learning how to swim more efficiently
- Practicing basic ocean swimming techniques
- Drills for stroke correction
Your beach sessions will typically focus on:
- Identifying changing ocean conditions (waves, rips, tides, sandbanks etc.)
- Learning to enter and exit the water safely
- Increasing your swim distance in the ocean under supervision
- Learning advanced surf skills and using the ocean to your advantage
Do I need to fundraise?
Yes! When you sign up to our Summer Ocean Swim program, you are making a commitment to raise $1,200 throughout your journey with us. These funds are so vital to ensure we can continue our work, from our fitness programs to funding crucial cancer research that is changing and saving lives.
I'm a beginner - can I still take part?
Our Summer Ocean Swim program is suitable for anyone who is new or experienced at ocean swimming. However, participants must already have some swimming experience and ability.
We have three goal distances for you to choose from. Below is the criteria you must meet for each distance:
1km - must be able to swim 100m non-stop freestyle
2km - must be able to swim 200m non-stop freestyle
5km - have completed a CanToo 2km program and completed 2.5km ocean swim event
To join our 5km program, click here.
If you are concerned about your ability, please contact us at info@cantoo.org.au and we'd be happy to advise.
How much does it cost to take part?
Between now and Sunday 2 August, the program fee for Summer Ocean Swim will cost $200. From then, prices will increase, so register early to save!
Super early bird: $200 program fee
Early bird: $225 program fee
Standard price: $250 program fee
What if I don't hit my fundraising target?
If you're concerned about hitting your fundraising target, don't worry! We will be here every step of the way with tips and tricks to help you reach your goal. Plus, your fellow CanToo-ers that you'll be training with will also be able to share inspiration for fundraising.
We suggest getting yourself started with a self-donation - it'll get you on your way and make your target feel all the more achieveable!
How do I select my goal distance?
If you're looking to take on a 1km or 2.5km goal distance, sign up here and select your distance from the drop-down within the rego flow.
If you're wanting to take on a 5km goal distance, please sign up here.
