“There were moments where it felt completely surreal.” Ultra-marathon swimmer Andy Donaldson breaks World Record in 55km crocodile-inhabited river

Ultra-marathon swimmer and Red Equipment ambassador Andy Donaldson has set a new world record (pending notification) completing a record breaking 55km swim through Western Australia’s Ord River.

Swimming in just trunks a hat and goggles and without a wetsuit, the swim meant navigating powerful currents, extreme heat and crocodile-inhabited waters in one of the most demanding open water challenges ever attempted.

The Scottish-Australian endurance athlete completed the Ord River Dam to Dam swim challenge from Lake Argyle to Kununurra in record-breaking time, surpassing the previous benchmark for the route and cementing his status as one of the world’s leading ultra-distance swimmers.

Taking almost 12 hours in the water, the swim pushed Donaldson through rugged Kimberley landscapes, fast-moving currents and remote sections of river populated by freshwater crocodiles. Donaldson was joined for a stretch by WA swimmer Simone Blaser, the first person ever to complete the Ord River swim, who lent her support and swam alongside Andy on parts of the route.

Training for ultra-endurance

Andy Donaldson is a Scottish-Australian ultra-marathon swimmer, world record holder and mental health advocate regarded as one of the world’s leading endurance swimmers. He became the first person in history to complete the renowned Oceans Seven challenge within a single year, setting multiple world and British records in the process. His achievements include record-breaking swims across the Cook Strait, around Manhattan Island and some of the world’s most demanding open water channels.

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Donaldson says this latest achievement was built around the hours before and after the water as much as the challenge itself.

“People see the swim, but they don’t always see everything that goes into being able to perform for that long in those conditions,” said Donaldson. “When you’re training for ultra-endurance swims, recovery becomes part of the performance. Staying warm, refuelling properly, protecting your body and mentally resetting between sessions all become critical.”

Throughout months of training and preparation, Donaldson relied on Red Equipment’s performance outdoor gear, including changing robes and waterproof bags, to support the daily demands of open water training and recovery.

 “In endurance swimming, the transitions matter,” he said. “You can spend hours in the water and then immediately need to recover, get warm and prepare for the next session. Having reliable kit around you makes a huge difference physically and mentally.”

Using the right kit

The Ord River Dam to Dam challenge was designed not only as a Guinness World Record attempt, but also to spotlight the Kimberley region, inspire future adventure tourism and support the local swimming community.

Donaldson, who has previously completed the Oceans Seven challenge and broken multiple endurance swimming records, described the Ord River swim as one of the most unique environments he has ever faced.

“The Kimberley is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever swum,” he said. “There were moments where it felt completely surreal. You’re surrounded by ancient landscapes, wildlife and isolation, while also trying to stay focused for hour after hour in the water.”

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For premium outdoor watersports brand Red Equipment, Donaldson’s achievement reflects the growing connection between adventure, wellbeing and life around the water. “Andy represents so much of what we believe in at Red,” said Charlie Green, Head of Marketing at Red Equipment. “This challenge wasn’t just about breaking a world record. It was about resilience, preparation, community and inspiring people to embrace adventure and confidence in the outdoors.”

 “He’s shown what’s possible through dedication and mindset, but also through respecting the process behind these huge endurance challenges.”

Despite the scale of the achievement, Donaldson hopes the story resonates beyond elite sport. “At the heart of it, I want these swims to inspire people to spend more time outdoors, challenge themselves and experience the benefits of being in and around the water,” he said. “That connection to nature is something I never take for granted.”