For Kerry Furrer, Jo Bush and Helen Elliott, from Sydney’s northern beaches, ocean swimming is best enjoyed in threes.

“I moved to Australia from Chicago five years ago and had always loved swimming but had never done ocean swimming,” said Ms Elliott.

“My neighbour Jo (Ms Bush), encouraged me to join her on a Manly to Shelly swim about three years ago, I hesitantly said yes and was absolutely terrified but I went and fell in love with it. And why wouldn’t I when I get to enjoy the beautiful ocean and swim with two of my friends?”

The awesome threesome has spread their wings recently, leaving the well-swum path of Manly-Shelly to explore other open-water venues.

“I originally started going to the Bold and the Beautiful swim from Manly to Shelly many years ago but since I’ve found Jo and Helen, we have been swimming together in the Mona Vale Basin or at Manly Beach,” said Ms Furrer.

“On occasion, we venture to an ocean pool or another local beach but we are drawn to Mona Vale Basin, as we are members of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.

“Swimming with Helen and Jo is a great way to destress, connect with nature and get fit while also enjoying some time with my friends.

Last year Ms Furrer and Ms Elliott tackled the Warriewood to Mona Vale Ocean Swim for the first time and this year they are back for more, but with their ocean swimming buddy Jo in tow.

“Last year’s swim was my first one and it was a huge sense of achievement and I really enjoyed doing it with Kerry last year,” said Ms Elliott.

“It was quite scary being so far out from shore, but knowing I had my swimming buddy there made me feel more comfortable and like I could complete it. This year I’m looking forward to having Jo join myself and Kerry.

The excitement of doing the swim together is shared by Ms Bush.

“I’m really looking forward to doing the swim for the first time this year and with the way Helen and Kerry supported each other last year, I’m excited to get in amongst the action with them this year.”

We asked the three ladies why swimmers should join in on their fun at the Warriewood to Mona Vale Ocean Swim, and they all gave surprisingly different answers.

“It’s a wonderful swim in a fairly straight line parallel to the beach, unlike a lot of other swims, so that makes the event even more enjoyable,” said Ms Furrer.

“Also, it is one of the best events to feel supported at, there are plenty of water safety crew along the course and you can hear them supporting you from their board all the way along, into the beach.”

Ms Bush said, “swimmers should get involved because of the history of the event, being one of the oldest organised swims in Australia.”

“It’s also great to enjoy a well-deserved drink at the new Cooks Terrance Bar post-swim to celebrate successfully completing the swim,” said Ms Eilliot.