Hi, I’m Maryse, it’s lovely to have you here!
I’ve been leading our open water swim community since 2016, and have realised that I haven’t shared much about myself online. I would love to get to know you better, so I’ll start by sharing a bit more about myself.
Full name: Maryse Pretorius
DOB: 23 July 1988
Birthplace: Cape Town
Profession: Biokineticist and Director of Cape Town Open Water Swim Co.
My most memorable swim: My Cape Point Swim in 2023. This 8km swim around the tip of the Cape Peninsula starts at the infamous Diaz Beach (known to swallow goggles with its powerful shore break), and ends at Buffel’s Beach in the Cape Point reserve. What I loved about this swim is that you have a view of the peninsula along the whole route, and looking up to see the majestic cliffs of Cape Point from the water was a moment I will never forget. It’s that feeling of being big and small all at once.
What I love most about the swim group: The incredible people I get to meet. Each time I arrive for a swim, I leave with so much more. It’s the connections, the chats before the swim, the presence in the water, the laughter over fumbling fingers after. It’s sharing life’s ups and downs and bonding over a morning coffee or an evening sundowner. I am forever grateful for this community.
Swim Motto: Respect the ocean.
