The Andaman 50 | Grip It

SWIM FOR CHARITY

DIVE INTO THE CHALLENGE!

Join Three Phuket Expats on an Unprecedented Swim from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket this December - All for a Greater Cause!

In a true test of grit and endurance, we're setting out to swim nearly 50 kilometers of open ocean across the Andaman Sea.

Over two intense days, we'll confront scorching heat, unpredictable currents, jellyfish, heavy boat traffic, and countless unknowns.

This isn't just a swim - it's a quest for impact, raising funds and awareness for two life-changing causes.

Will you stand with us on this journey?

Youth Swim Initiative in Thailand

Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children under 15 in Thailand, with approximately 1,500 people lost to drowning each year, most of them children. For youth in this age group, drowning makes up nearly 20% of all fatalities, surpassed only by traffic accidents. In partnership with GRIP IT, we're committed to transforming swim culture for children across Thailand by creating a nationwide, completely free swim program designed to teach lifesaving water skills and inspire confidence in the water.

Empowering Phuket's Indigenous Island Communities

With the help of GRIP IT, we discovered that many indigenous island communities are facing population decline due to limited access to essential resources like renewable energy and quality educational materials. Our goal is to support these communities—those we'll be swimming past—by providing solar energy and battery installations, along with improved school resources for their youth. Together, we hope to help these islands not just sustain but flourish.

THE SWIMMERS

Noah Teplitzky

Noah is a fitness enthusiast with a strong passion for making a difference. The idea to swim from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket was his, and he quickly recruited Zane and Rob to join him in this challenge. Last year, Noah took on the challenge of climbing to Big Buddha in Phuket, doing over 3,000 burpees throughout the day to raise money for a close friend in need. Now, Noah is focused on supporting mental health initiatives in Thailand, believing that helping Thai youth build swim confidence is a great way to boost their self-esteem and resilience.

Robert Connolly

Robert is the co-founder of GRIP IT, driven by a passion for challenging himself and making a positive impact on others. Last year, in partnership with GRIP IT, Robert completed a 100km ultra trail run to raise funds for the Yes Coffee Migrant School in Naiharn. His efforts helped raise enough money to expand the school and build a computer lab, with the hope of making a meaningful difference in his local community.

Zane Tackett

Zane Tackett is an adrenaline junkie and endurance athlete, driven by a strong mindset of pushing boundaries. Whether it is running an ultra in the deserts of Saharan Africa, or helping to raise funds last year for the GRIP IT ultra run - and pulling Robert across the finish line - no challenge is too big for Zane. During Covid, Zane partnered with GRIP IT to help supply 40+ orphanages in Thailand with education and sports supplies, directly affecting over 3000+ kids across the country.

SPONSOR SWIMMERS

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Donate per amount KM to any of the swimmers. The more they swim = the more they help raise money for the cause.
Donate a said amount to any of the swimmers or to the project.
No need to donate, just cheer them on!

DONATE

FAQ

1. Has anyone ever attempted the swim from Phi Phi to Phuket before?
"As far as we know, we will be the first swimmers to ever swim from Phi Phi island to Phuket."

2. Is it possible for other swimmers to join the challenge?

"Due to logistical challenges, we are not accepting new swimmers into the challenge. But if you are really interested, come swim the last 1km with us!"

3. Will the swimmers be swimming alone?

"No, we will have Kayakers paddling alongside us on the crossing, in order to assist us with re-feeding and any medical issues along the way. We also have a support boat that will be shadowing us and ready to help whenever we are in need."