For most swimmers, the idea of a 55km swim through one of Australia’s most remote landscapes would feel like a stretch. For Fremantle’s Simone Blaser, it started as a simple thought: what if I just kept going?

That thought turned into one of the most adventurous swims of 2024, and ultimately earned her the prestigious Yudovin Award for Most Adventurous Swim.

A swim born in the Kimberley

Blaser didn’t set out to chase records or awards. The idea came naturally, in a place that has a way of doing that.

“With my business, Swimwild Escape, I take swimmers to this incredible place,” said Ms Blaser.

“One day, the whole group was back on the boat except my friend and me. The water is a delight to swim in, so clean you can drink it, silky and smooth.”

“I didn’t want to get out, and it was then that I thought to myself: maybe I can swim the whole length of it.”

That “what if” moment would eventually lead to a historic first.

The wild, raw Kimberley

The Upper Ord River isn’t your typical swim location. It’s remote, rugged, and unmistakably Australian.

“It’s as Australian as it gets,” said Ms Blaser.

“Red cliffs, breathtaking scenery, wild, raw, remote and beautiful. It humbles you deeply.”

“Unlike ocean swims with tides, swell and familiar variables, this was something entirely different.”

“Firstly, no one has ever swum it before. It’s freshwater and so remote.”
“There is nothing around you except nature. It was an expedition because I couldn’t draw from any data or experience.”

Into the unknown

On 14 September 2024, Blaser set off from Lake Argyle Dam at midnight, a light strapped to her cap, beginning a journey into completely uncharted territory.

Over the next 16 hours and 13 minutes, she swam 54.95km down the Upper Ord River to Kununurra, navigating a course that presented unique and unpredictable challenges.

“As it’s a river, we didn’t know exactly how much of a push you get,” said Ms Blaser.

“The biggest risks were swimming into rocks where the rapids were and freshwater crocodiles, who might become agitated when disturbed.”

While crocodiles might sound like a dealbreaker, the reality was less dramatic.

“The locals reassured me that they are very shy creatures who scurry away at any kind of commotion,” said Ms Blaser.

Still, there were moments that tested her nerves, including one unexpected prank from her support crew.

“My paddler, Maka, thought it was very funny to bring along a huge plastic croc head and at the 45km mark decided to pop it in the water and scare the heck out of me!”

“I had a massive fright… my adrenaline was through the roof after that!”

Finding a way through

Like any ultra-distance swim, the real challenge came not just from the distance, but from managing the mental load.

Blaser approached the swim in stages, as guided by her coach.

“After swimming in the dark with thousands of stars above me and an indescribable sunrise, the first phase was accomplished,” said Ms Blaser.
“At around 9 am, it dawned on me that it was still a very long time to go… that was my only rough moment.”

“Here I simplified the task at hand, and I surrendered and just kept going from feed to feed.”

And then came the moment that made it all worthwhile.

“The sunrise was most definitely the best part of the swim,” said Ms Blaser.

“It was just so spectacular… turning the black surrounds into these amazing colours of yellow, orange and red.”

“I had to pinch myself often to realise this was true.”

A swim that made history

Blaser became the first person in the world to swim the full length of the Upper Ord River, a “first known swim” that would later see her recognised on the global stage.

The Yudovin Award, part of the Marathon Swimming Federation’s annual awards, honours the most adventurous documented swim of the year, specifically along new or unexplored routes.

For Blaser, the recognition meant everything.

“For ‘my’ swim to be recognised by the Marathon Swimming Federation and the beauty of the Kimberley to be exposed to a global stage, I felt truly honoured,” said Ms Blaser.

“I’m an ordinary, everyday woman with a busy family and business life.”

“For me to have achieved something this monumental is unreal… if I can put my mind to being able to do hard things, you can too.”

What’s Next?

If you thought a 55km river swim might tick the box, think again. Ms Blaser already has her sights set on new challenges.

“Next up is a 20km Lake Argyle swim in May, followed by a 20km Great Keppel Island swim,” said Ms Blaser.

“Beyond that, she’s secured a spot for a 47km circumnavigation of St Helena Island in 2027, a remote, demanding swim expected to take up to 24 hours.”

“I’ll be the first Australian and amongst the first 10 worldwide to accomplish this swim, which is extremely exciting.”

The spirit of swimming wild

For Blaser, the Upper Ord River wasn’t just about distance, time, or accolades. It was about stepping into the unknown and fully embracing the experience. So, we asked her to share some advice for fellow wild swimmers:

“I dare you to swim wild, to push your boundaries and to get out of your comfort zone, that’s where the magic begins.”