Special Event: Saltwater Cure - the Transformative Power of the Ocean

Join us to explore our relationship to swimming and our connection to water. What makes us want to immerse ourselves in it in pools, rivers and oceans.

Discover what it is about water that seduces us, heals us and brings us together?

Our panel explores not only the physical benefits of swimming, such as its impact on fitness and mental well-being, but touches on the psychological and emotional connections we form with water. Through personal stories, we uncover how swimming has evolved from a practical skill to a powerful source of therapy, creativity, and even spiritual rejuvenation.

The talk invites the audience to consider swimming as more than just an activity—it becomes a journey of self-discovery, peace, and connection to something much larger than ourselves.

Hosted by Ali Gripper - author Saltwater Cure and has written for Australia's leading newspapers and magazines over the past two decades including The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Weekend, The Australian, Daily Telegraph and Country Style. Ali is a mad-keen ocean swimmer.

Panel Includes:

Valerie Taylor AM is an Australian marine conservationists, filmmaker and photographer who has collaborated on iconic documentaries and films including Jaws. She is currently an ambassador for the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.

Rusty Moran is a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University studying surf therapy as a treatment for veterans with PTSD and is the founder of Veteran Surf Project, a charity helping veterans & first responders.

James Pittar is an Australian marathon swimmer. He was the first Australian to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming - the English Channel, the Manhattan Island Marathon and the Catalina Channel.

Sumit Singh is a restaurant manager and cold water swimmer. His popular Indian restaurant GurTaj in the Northern Beaches proactively supports local clubs and charities.

Tickets: $10 / Free for Museum Members- Enter your promo code at checkout.

Not a Member ? Find out more here : Members | Australian National Maritime Museum