A team of Mandurah swimmers are gearing up for the Rottnest Channel Swim this weekend, with one of its members set to mark her 35th time crossing the distance.
Channel veteran Barbara Pellick will return to the water on Saturday with her team Just For Fun to take her total number of crossings to 35, including 30 solo swims.
The West Coolup woman will be joined by other Mandurah-based swimmers and their team kayaker, who between them have completed 73 crossings, making them one of the most experienced teams taking part in this year’s event.
Ms Pellick said despite what her team’s name suggests, they were still going to give it their best effort.
“We’ve definitely got team members that are very competitive,” she said.
“They’re certainly out to see how well they can go.
“But at the end of the day, it’s got to be fun and if you win something, that’s a bonus.”
This year more than 2600 local and international swimmers will tackle the 19.7km open water swim from Cottesloe to Rottnest Island, with just more than half of the participants returning after previously taking part.
The youngest of those is just 14, while the oldest recently celebrated his 80th birthday.
Ms Pellick said the atmosphere and camaraderie between swimmers brought her back to the swim each year.
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s a great day out,” she said.
“You can be really competitive or you can be out there for fun and it fits everybody, regardless of what your goal is.
“Everyone out there that day is doing it in a team one way or another, and if they’re just swimming by themselves, it’s still a team and it’s just really great to get that camaraderie on the day.”
Last year’s swim was held in near-perfect conditions, which played a part in 16 new records being set.
Ms Pellick said based on recent weather, she expected her team to clock up a quick swim.
“I reckon it’s going to be a pretty fast crossing for the team and we’re going to get there before we know it,” she said.
“But conditions can play a big part, so if we get an early sea breeze and it gets harder out there, then obviously we take a little bit longer.”
Rottnest Channel Swim Association president Kirsty Bellombra said she was looking forward to seeing the event in full force.
“Last year was an incredible day with a huge number of records tumbling and we are so excited to see what’s in store for 2024,” Ms Bellombra said.
“The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is one of Perth’s most iconic events for swimmers and supporters, but it’s also the ultimate test of endurance and determination.
“We can’t wait to see swimmers of all ages, abilities and nationalities push themselves to the limit.”
