For over two decades, the South Head Roughwater Swim has been a highlight on Sydney’s open water swimming calendar, challenging generations of swimmers to navigate the iconic 10-kilometre stretch from Bondi Beach to Watson’s Bay, some even following in their parent’s footsteps.

Founded in 2002 by John Fallon as a community project, the event has become a staple for ocean swimmers.

Now, in 2025, Fallon is introducing a new adventure to Sydney’s ocean swimming scene with the launch of the Sydney Heads 4000, an event that connects the north and south sides of the harbour in a way never done before.

Building a Legacy

Back in 2002, Fallon, a lifelong waterman from Watson’s Bay, set out to create an ocean swim that would provide the everyday swimmer with an open-water adventure in Sydney’s wilderness-like coastal waters.

“When I first started the South Head Roughwater, I was a bit lost in life. I had gone through a divorce and joined a group that encouraged me to commit to a community project,” said Mr Fallon.

“I grew up in Watson’s Bay, and the only beach I really knew to swim at was Bondi. Because I had always had a boat since I was a little kid, I wanted to make a connection from Watson’s Bay to Bondi.

“I had done the Maui Channel Swim when I was younger and loved that sense of camaraderie, four people in a boat, training for months together.

“That idea inspired me to create something similar here in Sydney. I said to one of my best friends, ‘How about we swim from Watson’s Bay to Bondi?’ He laughed and said I was mad.”

The first South Head Roughwater in 2002 saw just 72 swimmers, with only one solo entrant. Over the years, it has grown in both numbers and prestige, becoming a staple of the Sydney ocean swimming calendar.

Mr Fallon fondly recalls watching children who had once cheered for their parents later take on the challenge themselves.

“Swimmers like Emily Miers and Ned Weiland, who grew up watching their dads compete, eventually became champions of the South Head Roughwater Swim in their own right. Emily has won the event the last five years,” said Mr Fallon.

“Over the years, the event has also attracted some incredible performances, including Chad Schneider’s solo 10-kilometre butterfly swim in 2003 and Martin Palfrey’s years of dedication to the race.

“I’ve seen friendships form through the event, including strong ties with Balmoral Beach Club and Sydney Tattersalls Club, which has been great to watch and has paved the way in helping build a lasting community of ocean swimmers.”

The next big adventure

Now, 23 years later, Fallon is launching another ambitious swim, introducing a fresh test for Sydney’s open water swimmers with the Sydney Heads 4000.

“It’s the missing link on the Sydney ocean swim circuit,” said Mr Fallon.

“This is an opportunity for the average swimmer to experience an adventure swim with robust water safety around them.”

Scheduled for March 9th, this new 4-kilometre adventure swim will connect the northern and southern sides of the harbour.

The new event promises to offer a thrilling experience, with swimmers tackling the open waters between Sydney’s iconic headlands. While shorter than the South Head Roughwater, the Sydney Heads 4000 is expected to offer its own set of challenges, including fast-moving currents and open ocean conditions.

“Whether for seasoned ocean swimmers or those looking for a new challenge, the Sydney Heads 4000 is set to be a major addition to the city’s open water calendar,” said Mr Fallon.

“It’s a way to bring people together and give them a chance to experience an open water challenge in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

With the introduction of this new event, Mr Fallon hopes to continue fostering the sense of adventure and camaraderie that has defined the South Head Roughwater Swim.

“It’s about more than just the swim, it’s about giving people a chance to push themselves and be part of something bigger,” said Mr Fallon.

“The swim isn’t timed and there are controls in place to keep the group together, so it’ll feel like you’re sharing the adventure with everyone.”

As Sydney’s ocean swimming scene continues to evolve, swimmers, both seasoned and new, will now have the chance to add another incredible event to their calendars. Whether it’s the storied South Head Roughwater or the fresh challenge of the Sydney Heads 4000, one thing is clear and as Mr Fallon put it, “there’s never been a better time to take the plunge.”

“From the very beginning, my goal has been to create opportunities for swimmers to challenge themselves and experience the adventure of the open water while sharing my passion for the ocean,” said Mr Fallon.

“I feel that I have done that over the years with the South Head Roughwater Swim and I’m looking forward to continuing it with the Sydney Heads 4000.

“I can’t wait to see swimmers embrace the journey across the heads and push their limits, finishing with a sense of accomplishment and feeling proud of themselves.”