In 2013 Shake It Up has been fortunate enough to have an array of supporters take on loads of athletic challenges with the aim of raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research. Why not keep up this fantastic trend by showcasing a group of likely lads who have chosen to do an ocean swim with the aim of raising $6,000 for Shake It Up!
This Saturday the group of eight mates will compete in the gruelling 2.5km Bondi2Bronte Ocean Swim race. This unique event starts on the iconic shores of Bondi Beach, taking the swimmers past Tamarama beach and into the cove at Bronte.
With next to no ocean swimming experience the lads have dove headfirst into the challenge, let’s meet some of the team!
Matt Egan
Biggest Motivation?
My dad has had PD my whole life but is still a 70’s surfie at heart. I can’t surf so I thought this would be the next best thing to do for him. I am also fortunate enough to work for Shake It Up so was really keen to give fundraising a go first hand!
Biggest challenge?
Getting the boys down to training on Sunday morning! I got plenty of ‘I’ve slept in Matty’ texts.
How has the team experience been?
Absolutely awesome, there is the perfect amount of rivalry between our friends. This has pushed us both in the water and in fundraising. All the boys involved have been incredibly supportive, reaching out to their families and work friends for donations, I couldn’t ask anything more of them.
First thing you will eat after the race?
Hot Chips are my kryptonite so let’s hope my fiancé is distracted and I can get a couple in me!
Advice for anyone considering an ocean swim?
Black lines are boring, get into the ocean! And as Michael J. Fox always says “If you start to think about how bad something is going to be you will have gone through it twice by the time it’s over!”
Dan the Man
Biggest Motivation?
To complete my first ocean swim in a reasonable time and raise loads of cash for Shake It Up.
Biggest challenge?
I’m not a good swimmer, so just finishing will be a challenge itself.
How has the team experience been?
Encouraging and rewarding. Good to see everyone going out of their comfort zone for a good cause.
First thing you will eat after the race?
Mars Bar and a beer.
Advice for anyone considering an ocean swim?
Get in the ocean for a few practice swims prior to the race, pool swimming isn’t enough.
Charlie
Biggest Motivation?
Firstly not to drown, secondly not to embarrass myself, and thirdly to have a good time with my mates and raise lots of cash!
Biggest challenge?
Well I heard that shaving your legs reduces resistance so I’ve been giving it a crack but boy is it hard to do your knees without cutting yourself. Also, the weather has been a bit dodgy lately and it’s hard to get out there when its cold shaved legs or not.
How has the team experience been?
Fantastic! It’s good to have all the boys checking in with how they are doing and pushing each other.
First thing you will eat after the race?
Definitely a sausage sandwich.
Advice for anyone considering an ocean swim?
Get used to swimming in the ocean. It takes a bit of time getting used to rocking around and taking breaths without sucking in a mouthful of water
Biggest Motivation?
Getting fit and healthy for summer whilst improving my (lack of) swimming ability.
Biggest Challenge?
Staying motivated because swimming in a pool can be VERY boring and repetitive.
How has the team experience been?
Great for bonding and an even better excuse to stay sober on the weekends. The early morning weekend swims are a great way to start the day fresh.
First thing you will eat after the race?
Cerveza
Advice for anyone considering an ocean swim?
Hit the ocean because it is very different from swimming in a pool. Watching the reef and fish underneath is far more enjoyable and distracting than staring at that black line!
Toddy Martin
Biggest Motivation?
The Big Marn himself (Matt Egan) – the fact he’s managed to get so many people behind us is unreal!
Biggest Challenge?
The biggest challenge is mentally. Negative thoughts have been hard to keep away since I signed up. Having a big team around me on Sunday will definitely help.
How has the team experience been?
Fantastic! Doing it as a team makes it that much more enjoyable. An ocean swim is very much a personal challenge once you hit the water but what will be driving me is the celebration afterwards with the entire team.
First thing you will eat after the race?
A banana most likely because I know they hand them out as you cross the finish line. But afterwards, I’m looking forward to a greasy big breakfast & a large juice…. followed by several ice cold VB’s.
Advice for anyone considering an ocean swim?
Sign up early & start training more than a week before the event.
