Open-water marathon swimmer

One of Africa's strongest open-water swimmers.

For over two decades Carina has pioneered record-setting solo crossings of some of the world's most treacherous waterways — from the English Channel to the Straits of Gibraltar — turning each one into a fundraiser for children's causes.

“One of Africa's strongest open-water swimmers” — CNN

20+
Years in open water
30+
Marathon swims
10+
World firsts
R millions
Raised for charity

Swimming upstream, by design.

One of Africa's most decorated female open-water marathon swimmers, Carina specialises in distances between 10 and 40 km — crossing channels, bays and straits that few have ever attempted, and many said could not be done.

To her, swimming is far more than a sport. It is a journey of self-discovery, a test of resilience, and the clearest expression of her belief that the only real limitations are the stories we tell ourselves.

“Our victories do not define us. It's the time we spend quietly but relentlessly swimming upstream that transforms us.”

Signature swims

2026
Across False Bay
Latest solo crossing
36 km9h45
2021
Walker Bay, South Africa
First and only person to cross
21 km6h12
2018
Nice → Ventimiglia (triple-country)
First swimmer
21 km7h01
2014
Straits of Messina (quadruple)
Furthest by a woman
15 km3h59
2020
Nelson Mandela Bay
First female
19 km5h15
2005
Straits of Gibraltar
Held the female world record for 7 years
16 km3h35
2006
False Bay
First SA woman · third swimmer ever
36 km10h58
2005
English Channel
Fastest South African woman
36 km12h03
2005
Around Robben Island
Held the overall record for 8 years
11 km3h07
2004
Bizerte, Tunisia (northern-most point of Africa)
First person
16 km3h50
2004
Cape Point
First SA · fastest time · still holds female record
8.5 km2h20

…and 20+ more

On the race course

Still racing — and winning — against the clock and the field around the world.

2025
1h16
1st woman · 5th overall
2025
1h01
1st overall · 1st female
2024
2024
1h16
Langebaan Express, 12 km
1st female · 2nd overall
2023
2h50
1st female · 2nd overall
2023
1h07
Open Swim Stars, Paris, 10 km
2nd female · 4th overall
2023
2h25
Italian Open Water Tour, Monate, 5 km
1st female age group
2023

Recognition

WOWSA Top 50

One of the world's most daring, courageous and audacious open-water swimmers.

Lewis Pugh Trophy

For the most outstanding swim of the year.

SuperSport Champion Award

Recognising her record-setting open-water feats.

Honorary Citizen

Of Bizerte (Tunisia) and Bergeggi (Italy).

Watch

In the water

Carina returns to False Bay — 33 km crossing in rough conditions

Carina conquers an extreme swim around Cape Point for child cancer

Carina swims Tabarca to Alicante (18 km)

Carina Bruwer on SuperSport

eNCA — Walker Bay crossing

The allure of open-water swimming — in one minute

Carina to swim a triple-country solo marathon for Muzukidz

Swim for Hope — the Bonifacio Straits & four Messina Straits crossings

Every swim raises more than a flag.

Carina turns her record-breaking crossings into fundraising for children's causes through Swim for Hope.

Book Carina