37th Rip View Swim Classic

37th Rip View Swim Classic

Held annually at Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula, the Rip View Swim Classic is one of Victoria’s favourite open water swim events. With distances of 600m, 1.4km, and 3.8km, our course offers clean, shallow waters protected from ocean swell, perfect for swimmers of all levels. Timed with the ebbing tide, swimmers enjoy a natural tow along the course, making for fast times and big smiles. The event is known for its high safety ratio, small age groupings, well-marked course, and friendly volunteers. All swims hug the shoreline with buoys on swimmers’ right for easy pacing. Each year, over 1,000 participants take part, including elite Ironmen, Ironwomen, and national-level swimmers. It’s a fun, family-friendly day of fitness by the sea, just a short drive from Melbourne, Geelong, or the Surf Coast.

The Rip View Classic 1.6km – Our Original and Blue-Ribbon Event

Following the picturesque shoreline of the Point Lonsdale Bight, the course runs from the “Springs” car park to the iconic “Swings” on Point Lonsdale’s main beach. It’s a crowd favourite and a must-do on the open water swim calendar—loved for its scenery, vibe, and fast, tide-assisted conditions. Whether you're chasing a PB or ticking off a bucket list swim, the 1.6km Classic is a summer highlight not to be missed.

The RVSC 3.8km Challenge – Our Premier Distance Event

A true test for experienced open water swimmers and a firm favourite among the triathlon community. The course begins at Santa Casa Beach, just outside Queenscliff, and follows the shallow, scenic shoreline of the Queenscliff–Lonsdale spit. Swimmers pass the “Springs” car park (the start of our 1.4km event), before joining the main Rip View Swim Classic course and finishing on the Point Lonsdale front beach. Carefully timed to make the most of tide assistance, this swim offers the chance to clock a fast time on a unique, point-to-point course. Entries are capped, so secure your spot early—this is one challenge you won’t want to miss!

The 600m – A Perfect Intro to Open Water Swimming

Our shortest event is ideal for those new to open water swimming but ready for a fun challenge. It’s a great way to get kids and teens involved, or for family and friends to race each other for bragging rights! The 600m horseshoe-shaped course starts from the third groyne along Point Lonsdale front beach, heads out to join the 1.4km course buoys, and follows them right through to the finish line—under the iconic “swings” on the main beach.

Combined Events

Many of our seasoned swimmers choose to double up, taking on multiple events to make the most of their day—whether it’s for race prep, endurance training, or just the love of the challenge.