Meet the Committee: An Interview with Anya Ragaller.

As Vice-Chair of the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association, I care deeply about growing open water swimming in South Africa. I enjoy open water swimming who loves mentoring, connecting people, and building a supportive, down-to-earth community around the ocean we all respect so much.

Ten Questions We Asked the Vice-Chair of the CLDSA. 

1. Tell us about your swimming journey so far.
I started open water swimming in 2015, mainly because of back issues and a strong desire to work through my fear of the ocean. In the first few years, I wasn’t interested in chasing long-distance swims; I simply loved spending time in the water, experiencing the mental and physical benefits, connecting with people, and being part of this incredible open water swimming community. In 2021, I completed my first Robben Island crossing – and from then on, I was hooked.

2. Tell us about your earliest swimming memory.
As a young child I always loved being in the pool but as I grew older I somehow developed a fear of large bodies of water; being a large pool, rivers, dams or the ocean. I was never good as swimming. The passion for swimming only started developing in 2015.

3. What is it that makes you love swimming?
I love swimming because it quiets my mind, challenges my body, and connects me – to myself, to the ocean, and to the people I share the water with.

4. What was your most challenging swim experience?
The very first Roman Rock swim. We were dropped into what felt like the deep end of False Bay, with jellyfish everywhere. Our two local orcas had been spotted at the lighthouse the day before, which really messed with my mind (especially given my fear of the ocean). My watch didn’t want to start, so I took a moment to sort it out. By then, everyone else had already started and I was on my own at the back of the pack. I knew I wasn’t fast enough to catch the group, and my mind started playing games with me. Being highly allergic to jellyfish, I was very worried about being stung. On top of that, I was pregnant and started panicking. I pushed through 2 km and eventually asked Michelle to pull me out.

5. Can you describe your perfect week of training?
A few pool sessions, a few ocean sessions, sun, after swim coffees and swim buddies to chat with.

6. What is a challenging aspect of swimming that you have overcome and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges has been overcoming my fear of the ocean and learning to trust myself in it. I did this by showing up consistently, swimming alongside supportive people, building skills and confidence over time, and reminding myself that it’s okay to go at my own pace – progress doesn’t have to be loud to be real.

Where is your favourite swim spot?
Anywhere where there are swim-buddies and good ocean conditions.

What was your favourite swim experience ever?
My favourite swim experience was the False Bay relay. Spending over 12 hours out there, working as a team, supporting one another, and moving across such a vast, powerful stretch of ocean was incredibly special. It wasn’t just about the distance – it was about trust, connection, shared grit, and the feeling of being part of something much bigger than myself.

Do you have a bucket list swim?
The next swim on my bucket list is Milnerton to Big Bay or Melkbos. I would also love to do another long relay at some point.

Do you have a tip for an aspiring Open Water Swimmer?
Start slow, stay curious, and don’t feel pressured to rush into distances before you’re ready. Swim with others, learn from more experienced swimmers, respect the ocean, and remember that consistency and enjoyment will take you much further than pushing through fear alone.