North shore resident strips down for Sydney Skinny

The Sydney Skinny is barely a month away, as north shore residents prepare to strip down to raise money for charity.

Jo-Ann Foo is taking part in a nude swim for charity later this year.

BREAKING free from the constraints of the modern world, this liberated swimmer is stripping down for the Sydney Skinny.

It is the second time Jo-Ann Foo is taking on the mass nude swim to break down modern perceptions around body image.

The north shore/Neutral Bay professional, who works in sports intelligence and measurement, first took on the leisurely 900m swim in 2014 after being egged on by her colleagues at work.

“I didn’t really want to do it and it was daunting at first,” she said. “But once you’re in the water and you realise there is nothing to worry about, it’s really liberating and quite enjoyable!

“It’s also really important in today’s society where we have skewed perspective on body image which is also made worse because of social media.

“It’s just about being proud of who you are and letting go of your inhibitions.”

After getting over the nerves of her first swim, Jo-Ann said she had “no excuse” not to take part in this year’s event — which will include thousands of swimmers.

“After the last swim, my colleagues and I felt a lot better about ourselves and we felt like we achieved something.

Jo-Ann Foo is taking part in a nude swim for charity later this year.

“I would recommend it to anyone because you won’t get many opportunities to do something like this and everybody who takes part is in the same boat.”

Jo-Ann also praised the work of the swim’s organisers in keeping the event safe and private.

Diving off Cobbler’s Beach, Middle Head, participants are protected by the privacy and stunning surrounds of Sydney Harbour National Park and each swimmer is given a Sydney Skinny sarongs as they leave the water.

Entries for this year’s swim in March are now open for the nude ocean event’s two swim courses — the 900m and 300m -which are both untimed and suitable for people of all swimming abilities.

The Sydney Skinny aims to raise money for a number of Australian charities and causes, including event partner Charlie Teo’s Cure Brain Cancer Foundation and the Foundation of National Parks and Wildlife.

Nigel Marsh, event founder, said: “The Sydney Skinny is a fantastic day out with lots of laughter, a supportive vibe and a focus on happiness.

“Everyone emerges from the water ready to take on life with a more optimistic, happier and connected perspective.”