Robbie Berman, a top-ranked professional bodyboarder known for competing globally on the IBC World Bodyboard Tour, recently took on a new challenge: swimming across the iconic and demanding stretch to Robben Island.
What started as a spontaneous decision turned into a powerful act of support for a cause close to his friends’ hearts: the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC).
From waves to open waters
Robbie’s passion for bodyboarding has taken him all over the world, competing alongside some of his childhood heroes and chasing the perfect wave in remote destinations. Swimming to Robben Island was not initially on his radar, but when friends Levi Clarke and Ben Neuberger (both Jewish and from Cape Town) and Shane Fourie invited him to join their training swims at Clifton, he could not resist. Levi and Ben had committed to the crossing in honour of Levi’s father, Darrell Kruyer, who was battling cancer. Motivated by friendship and a meaningful cause, Robbie embraced the challenge.
Supporting the CHOC COWS
The trio aimed to raise funds for the CHOC COWS, a passionate fundraising committee affiliated with the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Often recognised by their playful cow suits, the COWS are dedicated to raising both awareness and vital funds for CHOC’s work. CHOC advocates for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, providing them and their families with psychosocial support, counselling, and a network of care.
For Levi’s family, CHOC’s support was deeply personal. With this connection, the swim became more than a physical feat –
it was a mission to give back and support other families facing the hardships of childhood cancer.
Exceeding expectations
Levi set up a crowdfunding page with a fundraising target that the team thought ambitious but achievable. To their delight, the response from friends, family, and supporters was overwhelming. Within just two weeks, they surpassed their goal by nearly double, demonstrating the power of community and shared purpose.
The swim
On April 4th, just before the official swim season’s waiting period began, the team felt confident and ready. Conditions were almost perfect: clear skies, a gentle southeast breeze creating some initial chop, and water temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius. The swim was 7.3 kilometers in distance, although tides and currents made the actual distance a bit longer.
The goal was to complete the swim in under two-and-a-half hours. They succeeded in an impressive 2 hours and 29 minutes, a testament to their training, determination, and teamwork.
The group devised their own training plan, independent of any formal organisation. On the day of the swim, they were supported by two boats – one official vessel managing pace, navigation, and feeding stops, and another carrying Levi’s family and Robbie’s dad, Paul, along with close friends, providing encouragement and motivation on the water.
More than a swim
Robbie Berman’s Robben Island crossing embodies more than endurance and athleticism. It is a story of friendship, resilience, and giving back. By using his skills and platform to support the CHOC COWS, Robbie and his team helped raise crucial funds and awareness for children battling cancer, demonstrating that sporting challenges can have powerful impacts beyond personal achievement. ●
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