Over one thousand people stripped off yesterday for the annual Sydney Skinny swim in Australia, making it the largest in the event’s five-year history.

Sydney Skinny
Thousands of swimmers took part in the Sydney Skinny this year.
Sydney Skinny
The event raised tens of thousands for charity. Image by Sydney Skinny.

Held at Cobbler’s Beach, Middle Head at Sydney Harbour National Park, the record-breaking event succeeded in raising tens of thousands of dollars for charities, including the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, and Charlie Teo’s Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. The Sydney Skinny included a 300-metre course and a 900-metre course for swimmers to choose from, with different groups setting off throughout the day in waves that started at 9 am and finished at 3 pm. Participants were required to be over the age of 18, and the event was private and fully ticketed, with no spectators being allowed on the beach.

Sydney Skinny
The swim had the largest turn out in it's five-year history. Image by Sydney Skinny.

"The swim welcomed 1335 happy and smiling people celebrating all that is good in this world and life! It was a joyous morning with lovely, supportive and inclusive people and positive vibes. Even the weather gods smiled on us as the rain stopped for the entire event. We are looking forward to the 2018 Sydney Skinny already,” Nigel Marsh, one of the organisers of the event told Lonely Planet Travel News.

Sydney Skinny
Swimmers went out in waves throughout the day. Image by Sydney Skinny
The rain cleared up for the event, adding to the sense of fun for those taking part.
The rain cleared up for the event, adding to the sense of fun for those taking part.

World Champion surfer Layne Beachley, who is an ambassador for the event, was amongst the large numbers taking to the waves throughout the day. More information on the Sydney Skinny is available on the official website.

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