Old Boy Duo Conquers Historic Double False Bay Crossing

In an extraordinary display of endurance, resilience and purpose, Pretoria Boys High School deputy headmaster Chris Oldnall and Old Boy Peet Crowther successfully completed the historic Double False Bay Crossing on 15 May, spending nearly 28 gruelling hours in the ocean to complete the challenge.

What was expected to be a 66km open-water swim became a relentless battle against icy temperatures, powerful spring tides, darkness, two-metre swells and strong southeasterly winds. Despite the unforgiving conditions, the pair pushed through to complete one of the most remarkable endurance swimming feats associated with the school.

The crossing marked the final chapter of an ambitious trilogy of swims that has now covered more than 150km in total, while raising over R2 million to support talented Pretoria Boys High learners through educational and sporting opportunities.

The initiative was created to assist gifted young boys who may not otherwise have access to a world-class education and the opportunity to develop their talents.

“It is a challenge for talented sportsmen to be placed in schools where their budding talents can be developed,” said Oldnall. “We took hands with roleplayers such as the SA Hall of Fame and sport organisations such as the Titans to develop this project to help talented but underprivileged learners.”

Oldnall explained that the idea behind the trilogy swims was not simply about endurance sport, but also about creating academic opportunities for young people.

“Keep local talent local and do not export it to other provinces,” he said. “Talented learners must be given opportunities and this is what we believe ourselves.”

The project carries special significance in Pretoria Boys High School’s 125th anniversary year.

“It is very good news for us that this was completed in the 125th anniversary year of the school,” Oldnall said.

Preparation for the crossing demanded months of physical and mental training.

“‘Let’s do this’ was our attitude and with this in mind, we trained in gym pools, the sea and also in Langebaan in the sea with Big Bay Events,” Oldnall said.

For Crowther, who matriculated from Pretoria Boys High in 2007, the ocean has always represented far more than sport.

“A lifelong love for nature and being among dolphins and other sea life, even when the weather is rough, is a privilege,” he said.

“You worry less about the possibility of great white sharks, although our team on the boat remained on the lookout for any dangers.”

Crowther said one of the main reasons he committed to the trilogy was the opportunity to help others through sport.

“I always wanted to help people and often place the interests of others above my own,” he explained. “When Chris came up with the idea of using sport to raise funds for children’s studies at Pretoria Boys High School, it was a privilege for me to become part of his plans. What I really liked was that it would be a team effort.”

Unlike many sporting events that focus on speed and medals, ultra-distance open-water swimming becomes an intensely personal psychological challenge.

“With long-distance open-water swimming, it becomes a challenge on many levels,” Crowther said. “Long after your body no longer wants to continue, your spirit has to take over to push you further so that you can reach your goal.”

Throughout the crossing, the swimmers encountered dolphins, seals, a turtle and large schools of tuna moving beneath them through the dark water.

“The luminescence of the water and those spiritual moments make it a life-changing experience,” said Crowther.

Crowther also believes the swims carry an important environmental message, particularly around marine conservation and pollution awareness along South Africa’s coastline.

“I believe awareness of the oceans is important,” he said.

The trilogy began with a 33km False Bay crossing in November 2024, followed by the historic 53km Robben Island to Dassen Island swim in April 2025 — believed to be the first successful completion of the route by South African open-water swimmers — before culminating in the Double False Bay Crossing this month.

For Oldnall and Crowther, the achievement is about far more than endurance. It is a testament to perseverance, teamwork and the power of sport to change lives.