Interview with Johann Beytell about his Circumnavigation of Robben Island.
Interview with Johann Beytell about his Circumnavigation of Robben Island.
Tell us about your swim, mention a highlight.
It was an amazing experience from start to finish. The highlight was when the mist lifted at the back of the island and Table Mountain was in front of me. Quite a surreal experience to see the mountain in front of me and then to start seeing it fade away to the right as I rounded the island.
Tell us about your swimming journey so far.
I was an avid pool swimmer in primary school but lost interest in high school. In my working life I made short comebacks in the pool but also lost interest each time as I felt there was no purpose other than fitness and health. Everything changed when I heard about the Cape mile at the Eikenhof dam in Grabouw. I did my 1st open water mile in Feb 2017 and was hooked. I could not wait another year for the next one so soon I discovered open water groups and soon fresh water & marina events led to ocean swimming in Gordon’s Bay where I met RI Record Holder Howard Warrington who encouraged me to do the RI to Big Bay crossing in skins. I thought he was mad but I signed up to do it as back then wetsuits were not officially recognised. At that stage I was petrified of cold water but I ditched the wetsuit and never looked back. I now love the appeal of cold water and the effects on my well being and the tingling feeling on my skin after a cold swim. Did my maiden crossing and ratified swim in June 2021, Preekstoel to Mykanos in October 2022, another RI to Big Bay in 2024 and now the circumnavigation. In between the ratified swims I love to do events in and around the greater Cape town and West coast areas and of course swim in Gordon’s Bay whenever I can, as I stay here. I also swim with a Masters squad at Generation schools.
How long did it take you to prepare for this swim?
My window started in October 2025 but we only ended up swimming in Feb 2026 due to conditions not being favourable. 2025 was my most consistent year ever and when the decision was made to sign up for the circumnavigation I slowly increased my distances per week from about June 2025. I knew as long as I stayed consistent I won’t have to do mad distances per week in order to succeed.
What did a typical week of training look like for you in the build up to the swim?
Anything between 6 and 14km per week depending on circumstances and rest needs!
What was a setback to your training that you had to overcome?
The waiting game for sure and training through the festive season when I was mentally and physically exhausted from all the training and noticed my pace dropping in the water. I made a good call to swim slightly less and did some cross training and soon I was back to my normal self again.
What was the biggest challenge during your swim and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was when my partner on the day had to make the tough call to abort her swim at about the 4km mark. She was not feeling well. We trained together for this swim over weekends and I was gutted for her part but decided to stay calm and carry on and so thankful for her staying on the boat and supporting me although she was seasick. When I had about 3km to go I really had to dig deep. I was not tired as such but my shoulders and arms got very sore but I knew I would make it if I just swim one stroke and one feed at a time.
Why did you choose this route?
From soon after I did my first RI crossing I started looking at all the possible ratified swim routes CLDSA had and this one immediately stood out for me in terms of how little it is being swum. The False Bay crossing has been done more times than the circumnavigation of RI😊. I also thought that we call ourselves RI swimmers but we spend the entire crossing getting away from the island. What better way to experience it than to swim around it?
What did you learn from your swim?
That is unnecessary to build up mileage months in advance. I tend to do that and peak too soon.
What would you say to other swimmers wanting to swim this swim?
I will strongly encourage it but the biggest obstacle is the waiting game. Be patient and the right day will come.
What is next for you?
I have a few shorter event swims lined up and then the Kromme Rhee 13km 2 day stage race in the Eastern cape in June. This winter I want to keep on swimming but combine with cross training and then hope to do another ratified route around March 2027. I want to do something in False Bay with the one the most appealing at this stage is the 10km Millers Point to Fish Hoek route.
