Login
Login

Laura Altman

2025 Autumn Ocean Swim

South Maroubra

So, the final swim of the season did not quite go to plan.

A quick recount: I woke up to dark rainy skies, and a message from the surf club that the event was going ahead but we should all consider dropping down to a shorter distance because of the conditions.

I arrived unsure of what to do, as I really wanted to follow through with my final 2.5km goal. After watching the 500m race, with multiple rescues, flying boards, and some traumatised faces from swimmers and coaches, I eventually decided to downgrade to the 1km. 

This race ended up being delayed multiple times as several massive storms battered us on the shore and outside the club. After an hour or so the club decided to call both the remaining races off due to extreme risk for swimmers and water safety.

It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - nerves and fear, disappointment and relief. But a good call in the end.

And so it was. 

I'm so grateful that I did my other two swims, and that I stuck with this season despite some challenges. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this campaign and others and my incredible swimming friends, coaches, leaders and water safety.

Below are a couple of pics from the day. And 3 of us did manage a sneaky dip in the water despite the warnings... we were cautious and didn't take our feet off the sand! The water felt like a warm bubbly spa and it was a great moment in celebration of the end of the season and all that we've achieved!

Balmoral and Coogee

I've done 2/3 of my April swims. Photos in library below.

Balmoral 2.5km was quite challenging. I encountered a massive jellyfish that looked like an extremely large soggy muffin (white spotted jelly?) and got stung on the face (same creature?) by something which thankfully didn't cause too much lasting discomfort. I strained my shoulder and was pretty physically fatigued, but again it passed. Was quite special to swim out so far at this spot that I have spent a lot of my childhood visiting and splashing about at.

Coogee Island 2.4km Challenge was a delight! It was my second time doing it. I took it somewhat easy for my shoulder, which ended up feeling much better. I swam with CanToo friends Steph and Geniere which was reassuring and energising. The water was very clear - so incredible to see the sea-floor-scape evolve as you swim out from the beach and towards and around the island. I imagined all the turtles that live out there, but didn't actually see any. 

It was so beautiful and quite emotional to have all my swim friends there, some doing their first big swims. 

Sunday 27th April is the final swim of the Autumn season at South Maroubra. Another 2.5km.  

I've definitely already swum at least 10km this month including practices. 

3 more goal swims April 2025

Hello dear followers and supporters,
I seem to be addicted to the ocean swimming challenges!
The training and the swims are indeed challenging me in many ways. I'm making more and more discoveries about the ocean, my own mind, body, and heart... and I get to raise money for cancer too. It would mean so much if you'd consider supporting me and this cause.

My 3 next goal swims are:
• April 6th - 2.5km at Balmoral (not exactly the ocean but will present its own unique challenges I'm sure)
• April 13th - 2.4km Coogee Island Challenge (for the second year)
• April 27th - 2.5km at South Maroubra (which I'm told can end up being a 3km swim depending on conditions!)

I'm supporting cancer research and prevention with Can Too Foundation. 

1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This means that potentially someone we love may have to battle cancer, and that's a statistic that needs to change. 

So I asked myself, "what can I do to help?" That's where the Can Too Foundation came in! Can Too provides professionally coached training programs for participants of any fitness level to run, swim and cycle their way to a healthier lifestyle and a cancer-free world. 

In return, I am raising valuable funds that go towards innovation in the prevention, care, and control of cancer. Since 2005, Can Too Foundation has trained over 22,000 participants and raised over $30,000,000 to invest in over 150 cancer research grants.

It would be fantastic if you could sponsor me, or even better join me in a program!

Thank you for your support!

 

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$1,074

My Goal

$995

Enter an amount

$
Donate

Thank you to my Sponsors

$200

David Altman

All the best to you Laura...hoping goes well!

$150

Laura Altman

$100

Peter Wesley-smith

$100

Kent Crawford

Congratulations on all your swims this summer and autumn, Laura. A pleasure swimming with you !

$54

Mike & Sophie Stern

$50

Tasso

Great page and participation! Looking forward to hearing your music.

$50

Mark Coles

Looking forward to Saturday. M

$50

Pip Hill

Well done Laura! Your dad shared your progress with me.

$50

David Altman

Thank you Laura for your brilliant efforts

$50

Anonymous

Amazing, Laura! All Spirit to You! X

$50

Alexis Herron

Absolutely inspiring!

$50

David Altman

Good luck from Deidre and Graham...neighbours...

$30

Thuy Linh Nguyen

Congrats on another great season Laura!! Always great to swim with you. Can’t wait for your home concert.

$30

Thuy Linh Nguyen

$20

Anonymous

$20

Laura Bishop

$20

Melinda

Thank you for making a positive difference !! Inspiring !!