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 $250 currently available until 25 August. Register now to save!
What to expect
When
Train twice 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.
Where
Tuesdays 6:30pm - 8pm at Warringah Aquatic Centre
Thursdays 7pm - 8pm at Warringah Aquatic Centre
Pool Coach: Pete Reiter
Saturdays 9:30am - 11:15am at Mona Vale Beach
Beach Coaches: Sam Wolf and Kieran Gallagher
Distance
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 1km - 2.5km program, click here.
Get fit
If you're looking to push yourself to a 5km ocean distance, our coached sessions will help you build strength, technique and ocean confidence to get you there.
Price
Register early to save!
Super early bird: $250
Register by 25 August before prices rise.
Early bird: $275
From 26 August - 25 September
Standard price: $300
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.
Goal events
Our 5km Summer Ocean Swim program will train you for the Cole Classic Ocean Swim, due to take place in February 2027.
Please note event tickets are not included within the program.
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.
"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 1km-2.5km 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 the 5km goal distance, sign up here
If you're wanting to take on a 1km or 2.5km goal distance, please sign up here and select your distance from the drop-down within the rego flow.
