Rottnest Channel Swim 2025

Breaking more barriers in the open water

A New Milestone, Unfinished Business

On Saturday, February 22nd, at 6:20 AM, Gerrard and his team - Jo Smallacombe, Hayden Armstrong, and Phil Edwards - began the epic Rottnest Channel swim from Cottesloe Beach, WA. In a field of over 2,560 swimmers, including both solo participants and teams, accompanied by an impressive array of kayaks and support boats, they achieved remarkable results.

Initially, favourable conditions allowed for solid progress. Unfortunately, by 1:30 PM, the winds and shifting tide intensified, presenting the team with extremely challenging conditions. At 10.5 hours into the swim, having covered 18.6 kilometres and Rottnest Island in sight, the race organisers halted their event as they were unable to make the final cutoff time.

Despite the disappointment, Gerrard and his team made history by swimming further than any totally blind person (from birth) had previously achieved. This accomplishment sets a new benchmark for what is possible and establishes a precedent for others to follow in Gerrard's strokes.

Gerrard and guide swimmer swimming toward the camera in rough conditions, support paddler on the left. Blue skies and a flotilla of boards and swimmers in the background.
Gerrard and Kirsty Bellombra standing together on the beach surveying the ocean they are about to swim in.
Gerrard being interviewed on the beach with the water behind him. Channel 10 news reporter's arm and camera person partially visible on the right side of the frame.
Gerrard and Phil on the support boat returning home. Phil's left arm around Gerrard, both wrapped in towels looking worn out and dissapointed.

Channel 10 Perth spot covering Gerrard’s Rottnest swim

Complete Rottnest 2025 video detailing the swim from end-to-end

Rottnest 2025 video trailer

Wide shot of Gerrard being interviewed by Channel 10 on the beach prior to the swim. White sand in the bottom half, scattered clouds and blue sky across the top.
Gerrard and Kristy standing on the beach looking out over the water. A TV cameraman is standing on the right of the short recording them
Gerrard and Kristy on the beach about to enter the water. They are shaking hands, and both are wearing swim tethers. A cameraman from Channel 10 stands in the right recording them.
Guide swimmer Jo keeping watch from the support boat in a black wetsuit, yellow cap and goggles. The ocean and the sky behind her.
Guide swimmer Phil sitting on the support boat the horizon behind him, getting updates on the conditions from a tablet on his lap. A bottle of yellow gatorade also in close reach.
Orange sunset taken from the side of the support boat, the wash from the bow visible in the bottom of the shot