Retreat aims to inspire more women to take to the big blue  

After conquering the Robben Island Crossing last year, Boksburg open-water swimmer Portia Mokoena uses her platform to inspire other women to conquer their fears of open-water swimming after demonstrating her bravery when she swam the 7.4km distance from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand in 03:43:16.

Mokoena, who hails from Parkrand, became the first black woman to complete the crossing with the help of the Benoni Open Water Swimming.

Through her Swima Le Portia organisation, in partnership with Women for Waves, she will host a women’s weekend swim retreat at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge from March 28 to 30.

Mokoena, who the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA) awarded the ambassadorship to get more women of colour to attempt the crossing, explained the purpose of the retreat is to get more women into open water swimming.

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“It is about the experience. We want women to experience the feel of open-water swimming and fall in love with it, being able to swim safely and comfortably and achieve the swimming goals they set for themselves,” she said.

“We want to get more women to participate in open-water swimming, encourage career paths and pay it forward by positively impacting those close to them.”

The event will feature footballer Shakeera Jacobs as the guest speaker and yogi Humbu Ravhura, who will take the guests through the benefits of yoga. The retreat will cater for various swimming abilities.

For enquiries and bookings, email Mokoena at [email protected] or [email protected] or WhatsApp 083 2753987 or 082 647 0167.

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