Carina Bruwer, lead player of SAMA Award-winning instrumental pop group Sterling EQ, successfully rounded Cape Point on 23 April 2013, finishing the 8km extreme swim equipped only with a standard swimming costume, cap and goggles, according to open water swimming rules.  The “Swim for Hope” was in support of the Little Fighters Cancer Trust (LFCT), a local charity that offers support to children with cancer and their families, which Carina and Sterling EQ actively support, and marked Carina’s return to open water swimming after a 6 year break during which she became a mother of two.

The extreme swim through wild, cold and shark infested waters, started at Dias Beach on the western side of the point, and ended 8km east at Buffels Bay.  Icy water temperatures between 11,5 and 14 degrees posed the biggest challenge to Carina, who, together with her supergroup Sterling EQ, just won a Ghoema Music  Award for Best Instrumental Album of 2013.  She was crushed by waves off Diaz beach and lost a pair of goggles in the process, got stung repeatedly by a school of jellyfish, and had to fight severe currents around the point. She completed the swim in 2h36mins – 16 minutes slower than the record she set for the swim in 2004.

“It was extremely tough, but I’m very happy with the result. Even while at the prime of my marathon swimming career, I would not normally have swum in waters under 13 degrees. LFCT and the children with cancer it supports, were instrumental in this swim – they inspired me to stay strong and really fight the odds. I had to push through the extreme conditions for only two and a half hours, as opposed to the challenges and trauma they face on a daily basis”, Carina said at Buffels Bay after the swim. “I strongly ENCOURAGE anyone who is able to make a contribution – big or small – to the Bag of Hope project to please do so in my honour.”

Sterling EQ boasts four successful releases, over 600 live performances since 2008, and thousands of followers worldwide, Sterling EQ is one of the most successful instrumental bands South Africa has ever produced.  The group has performed in 10 countries, shared stages with local and international icons, and has enjoyed extensive international recognition as well as local awards and nominations.  The live DVD, which was awarded a South African Music Award in 2011, was also produced by Carina.

For more information on The Little Fighters Cancer trust go to  www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/swim-for-hope or [email protected]