
More than 1,000 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 1,335 swimmers from around Australia.

The 'naked ocean swim that's not about nudity' offers 300 or 900 metre 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 1,000 swimmers have stripped off for the fifth annual Sydney Skinny ocean swim at Cobbler's Beach

The annual nude swim event encourages swimmers to raise money for a number of Australian charities and good causes

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

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

Participants stripped down to celebrate courage, acceptance, community, charity and the Sydney Harbour

World Champion surfer Layne Beachley (pictured), who is an ambassador for the fundraising event, was pictured in the water on Sunday

Eight female participants at the popular event are seen spelling out the words 'wild women' as they enter the water

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

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