Sydney swimmers strip off for nude 'spectator free' event

The 'naked ocean swim that's not about nudity' offers 300m or 900m courses and is not a race, nor is it about being seen nude, organisers say. Photo / Getty Images

More than 1000 swimmers have stripped off for the fifth annual Sydney Skinny ocean swim at Cobbler's Beach.

The "spectator free" event kicked off on Sunday at the secluded beach at Middle Head at the Sydney Harbour National Park.

Australian neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, World Champion surfer Layne Beachley and Author and Founder Nigel Marsh joined a record 1335 swimmers from around Australia.

Swimmers take part in the event. Photo / Getty Images

The "naked ocean swim that's not about nudity" offers 300m or 900m courses and is not a race, nor is it about being seen nude, organisers say.

The skinny dippers don't strip off until they are on the sand and are handed out sarongs to cover up with as soon as they exit the water.

Beachley, who is an ambassador for the fundraising event, was pictured in the water on Sunday.

"Every single body is welcome," Beachley recently told 9Honey. "I encourage everyone to jump in the water and feel, not only the freedom of being nude, but also the healing qualities of immersing yourself in nature."

More than 1000 swimmers stripped off for the fifth annual Sydney Skinny ocean swim at Cobbler's Beach. Photo / Getty Images