For Drew Schofield, swimming has become more than just exercise; it’s a way to reconnect with his body, challenge himself, and find a new sense of freedom.

This year, he’s taking that journey one step further by diving into his first-ever ocean swim, the Balmoral Swim for Cancer on Sunday, 6 April.

A journey from the pool to the open water

Mr Schofield’s journey with swimming began as a source of relief and relaxation, but it has since become much more. After spending over a decade working for Raine & Horne Mosman, his life took a dramatic turn when he started using a wheelchair due to Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy.

Now based in Noosa, Drew has embraced swimming as his primary form of exercise, using his newfound time to focus on fitness and well-being.

“I started by just getting in the water for dips,” said Mr Schofield.

“It felt freeing and different from everything else I could do.

“I used to swim a lot as a kid, but I hadn’t done much in years, so I started slowly and worked my way up to getting a coach and starting squad myself.

“I got myself a coach, Nick Croft, at the Noosa Aquatic Centre, and I’ve been training with him to prepare for my first ocean swim.”

Training for the challenge of the Balmoral Swim for Cancer

Mr Schofield can only swim backstroke due to his muscular dystrophy, making his training and preparation unique.

“I started just tagging along with my wife to her swim squad, mucking around with 400 to 500 metres in the pool,” said Mr Schofield.

“Then one day, the stars aligned, and I knocked out a kilometre.

“It was that day that my wife said, ‘There’s a Balmoral Ocean Swim that’s one kilometre, you should do it.’

“So, I decided to set that as my goal, and I increased my training to three to four times a week and have been consistently swimming between 1km and 1.5km per session for a while now.

“The pool can get a bit boring when you only swim backstroke, so I think the ocean will bring another element to it, something a bit more exciting and unpredictable, which I am looking forward to.”

A sentimental swim

For Mr Schofield, Balmoral isn’t just any swim; it’s a return to familiar waters.

“I used to live in Balmoral and worked in real estate in Mosman, so I have a lot of friends there,” said Mr Schofield.

“When I saw the Balmoral Swim for Cancer, I thought, ‘Let’s do it!’

“I know Balmoral well, and it’s in the harbour, so I hope it’ll be calmer compared to swimming straight out to sea!

“Plus, I won’t be swimming alone because I have around twenty close friends and family, including my nieces and nephews, who will also be swimming on the day, making it that extra bit special and fun.”

More than just a swim

Taking on the Balmoral Swim for Cancer isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it represents a much more significant milestone in Mr Schofield’s journey.

“Getting into swimming has been life-changing for me,” said Mr Schofield.

“I can’t just get up and go for a run or a walk, but swimming is something I can do alongside everyone else. I jump in the pool and go.

“I have also felt that the swimming and fitness community has been so welcoming and supportive.

“It’s such a nice space to be in, both mentally and physically, and I’m really enjoying it.”

Looking ahead to the future of ocean swimming

As Mr Schofield gears up for his first ocean swim, he is excited for the challenge ahead.

“This is really a jumping-off point for me,” said Mr Schofield.

“I’d love to get more into ocean swimming, do more events, and really embrace the sport.

“The Balmoral Swim for Cancer is really just a starting point in my journey and I can’t wait to take on the challenge.

“And hopefully, it’ll be the first of many more ocean swims to come.”

To join Mr Schofield at the Balmoral Swim for Cancer check out the listing.