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CONNECT WITH CARINA

“Simply WOW!!! Carina entertains and inspires like no one else. She was a speaker for 2 of our events and both times I had goosebumps and happy tears of joy. She is so Inspiring and I could listen to her talk for hours. And on top of that, she is so talented as a musician. I am a fan for life.” – Melissa Slaymaker, Women in Tech

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carinabruwer

Motivational Speaker, Marathon Swimmer, Entrepreneur, Pro musician @sterlingeqofficial , Creative and Mother of three. 📍Cape Town

And that’s a wrap on an unforgettable weekend in

And that’s a wrap on an unforgettable weekend in beautiful Cape St Francis, home to one of SA’s most unique swim events – the Kromme Descent. This two-day, 13km team race down the Kromme River delivered everything: scenic splendor, fierce competition, and fast-paced pack racing with incredible swimmers from all over the country.

Taking first place in the mixed category was both unexpected and deeply rewarding! Huge thanks to my brilliant partner Michael Edmunds – the “reluctant racing snake” – for the grit, speed, and laughs. We did it!

Massive kudos to @blu_smooth_za for putting on yet another world-class adventure, and as always, thanks to @arenaplanetwater for the unbeatable gear that keeps me race-ready.
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#krommedescent #krommedescent2025 #openwaterrace #marathonswim #marathonswimming #openwaterswim #openwaterswimming #capestfrancis #stfranciscanals

The real battle against the elements, it’s again

The real battle against the elements, it’s against the limits we set for ourselves.
📷 @dave_w4153
@arenaplanetwater
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#arenaplanetwater #arenawaterinstinct #arenacostume #walkerbay #swimmer #openwaterswimmer #marathonswimmer #swimagainstthecurrent #cliffs

No adventure compares to this one—messy, magical

No adventure compares to this one—messy, magical, and as real as it gets. Happy belated #mothersday ✨
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#momlife #adventures #FamilyFirst #PerfectChaos #AdventureTogether #RealLifeMagic #Unfiltered #MotherhoodMoments #MakingMemories #LoveLouder

Still buzzing from this week’s epic 11km swim fr

Still buzzing from this week’s epic 11km swim from Miller’s Point to Fish Hoek!
Known as the “Miller’s Run” among paddlers, this route is wild, wonderful, and everything we ocean athletes live for — deep open water, strong currents, rolling swell, and a generous downwind push (spiced up with some cheeky side-slapping waves). Passing the majestic Roman Rock lighthouse is always a highlight.

I clocked 2h37 — which I believe is the fastest swim time for this route to date! Some incredible skins times were also posted on the day. Now that the word is out about this gem of a swim, let’s see how long the records stand… something tells me it won’t be for long.

11km of pure bliss.

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#coldwatercape #arenaplanetwater #arenawaterinstinct #openwaterswimming #openwaterswimmer #longdistanceswim #millersrun #falsebay

If you’ve ever driven the coastline of Cape Town

If you’ve ever driven the coastline of Cape Town’s Deep South, you’ll know the shortest route from Miller’s Point to Fish Hoek is by water… so we took the hint. A salty little 11km adventure with the @bigbayevents crew and a brave bunch of swimmers!

It’s not always in the photographs.

Yesterday’s @walkerbayoutdoor 5km swim race was one for the books — not only because I won the overall race, holding off the talented young Simon Boonzaaier in a dramatic sprint finish — but because of what came to greet us just 500m from the end.

As we turned around the final buoy, still deep in race mode, I saw a powerful spurt of water about 3m ahead. I knew instantly — a whale. I stopped for a second, looked down, and saw the massive dark shape right beneath me. It was awe-inspiring, grounding, and surreal — a moment of connection I’ll never forget.

There was something about that whale — its quiet power, its grace — that stirred something in me. I came out of that moment with a strange kind of fire, and even though sprinting isn’t usually my thing, I found myself racing to the line with everything I had.

What a day. What a race. What a privilege to be in the ocean, always. A huge thank you to the organisers for this sublime experience; to @bigbayevents for the water safety, @arenaplanetwater for the best gear, Sarah Taylor @sarahbeebalmy for the finishing pics and @thatgirlhelena for the video
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#OpenWaterSwimming #arenaplanetwater #arenastorm #WalkerBaySwim #OceanEncounters #WhaleMagic #MarathonSwimming #SwimToInspire #WalkerBayOutdoor

Reflecting #justforfun 📸 @dave_w4153 . . . . #

Reflecting #justforfun
📸 @dave_w4153
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#silver #reflective #fortyfives #silvervibes
#sunlitmoments
#coastalliving
#fromwhereistand
#oceanaura
#glassandsea
#framedbynature

Epic Fish Hoek to Simonstown swim with the legends

Epic Fish Hoek to Simonstown swim with the legends @dave_w4153 @ryan_stramrood @cam_ubunye and Michael.

Interesting to realize this route is the retrograde of @swimcapetown’s False Bay Express. Fish Hoek to Glencairn is current neutral, but then there’s a pretty insistent head current between Glencairn and Simonstown, making you work for that final half — great training.

So grateful to be able to make these gorgeous late summer days count.
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#openwaterswimming #falsebay #fishhoek #simonstown #falsebayexpress #oceanswimming #againstthecurrent #capetownswim

I love blue. It’s ocean, it’s sky, it’s the

I love blue. It’s ocean, it’s sky, it’s the universe reminding us that mystery and potential potential lies just beyond what we see. #planetwater @arenaplanetwater
📷 @dave_w4153
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#BeyondTheHorizon #bluewonder #arenaswimsuit #arenawaterinstinct #marathonswimmer #openeaterswimmer #oceanswimmer #ocean #walkerbay #UnlimitedPotential #BlueInspiration #DreamBig #OceanSky

The entrepreneurial journey is not for everyone.

The entrepreneurial journey is not for everyone.

No roadmap.
No salary.
No guarantees.
No paid leave.
No clocking out.
No benefits, except…

Freedom. Growth. Impact.

And the chance to build something that’s truly yours — something that can move people, ideas, and the world forward.

It’s lonely and uncertain at times, but that’s where the magic often happens.

Nothing done with conviction is ever in vain.
You’re not alone — keep building.

I’ll be diving deeper into this on LinkedIn soon — follow me there if you’re curious. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinabruwer

#Entrepreneurship #Resilience #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #KeepBuilding #StartUpLife #Motivation
📷 @louisaswims

Go to a place where AI fears to tread. 📷 @aquav

Go to a place where AI fears to tread.
📷 @aquavibes_langebaan
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#arenaplanetwater #noai #openwaterswimming #swimming #swimstroke #freestylestrokeswim #nature #gothere #ocean #gotonature #wildsport #wildsports #wildswimming #openwater #openwaterswimming

Channeling calm, power, and purpose — one stroke

Channeling calm, power, and purpose — one stroke at a time.
Cape Town mornings don’t get better than this. @arenaplanetwater #CamoKikko
📸 @dave_w4153
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#seapointpavilion #seapointpool #carinaspavshots #carinabruwer #arenawaterinstinct #arenakikko #swimsuit #swimmer #45 #45andfit #longdistanceswimmer #swimmingpool #arenaswimwear

Feeling grand at the @grand_pavilion with @sterlin

Feeling grand at the @grand_pavilion with @sterlingeqofficial and @ariellarosanna
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#fabulousfourties #grandbeach #capetown #vandawaterfront #musicianforlife #silverdress #performing

Still buzzing after this morning’s keynote for @

Still buzzing after this morning’s keynote for @wetradeproperty at the beautiful @durbanvillegolfclub .

It was such a privilege to connect with a room full of driven, resilient individuals who know what it means to navigate uncertainty—and choose to keep moving forward.

Whether you’re selling property, performing on stage, or swimming into the unknown, fear has a way of showing up. But we always have a choice: to step back - or to step in, innovate, and grow.

A few guests shared with me afterwards how they’ve recognised the subtle ways we sometimes hold ourselves back. That kind of awareness? It’s the start of real momentum.

(And yes… the standing ovation was an unforgettable and humbling moment—thank you!)

#keynote #inspiration #resilience #growthmindset #WeTradeProperty #carinabruwer #keepmovingforward #motivationalspeaker #keynotespeaker #femalespeaker

Not every swim is upstream. Today, the current pus

Not every swim is upstream.
Today, the current pushed us forward in the Shipwreck Swim—4.5km along the Atlantic, with Table Mountain watching like a quiet giant.
But even with the tide on your side, 11–12°C water keeps you humble.
First woman, 5th overall.
Thanks @bigbayevents for an unforgettable ride and to @arenaplanetwater for my favourite gear
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#openwaterswimmer #shipwreck #swimrace #5kmswim #bigbay #coldwatercape

Some days feel like a full-on rollercoaster— rus

Some days feel like a full-on rollercoaster— rushed flights, Ubers that run straight into showtime, and moments where you’re smiling through exhaustion, wondering how you’re still standing. 🎭✈️🎶

Then, the performance happens. The energy shifts, the music takes over, and everything else fades into the background. ✨

And finally, the exhale. A quiet moment, a glass of wine, and the satisfaction of knowing you gave it your all.

Grateful for the wild ride, the music, and the moments in between. 💫 #WhatADay #LifeOnTheRoad #Grateful #sterlingeq #musicianslife #flautist #thehussle

Chapman’s Peak Meander—what a route! Stunning

Chapman’s Peak Meander—what a route! Stunning scenery, tough conditions, and a few unexpected spectators in the bay. Wrapped it up as first woman, second overall —an exhilarating 4.8km in 1h10. But the real highlight? Sharing the water with dolphins along the way. Magic.
Loved swimming in my @arenaplanetwater Storm. Thanks @bigbayevents for a great day out!
#OpenWaterSwimming #ChapmansPeakMeander #SwimAgainstTheCurrent

A big splash for a great cause! 💦 The @campsbay

A big splash for a great cause! 💦 The @campsbayprimaryschool Swimathon brought together an incredible community of swimmers, all pushing their limits to raise funds for the school.

For me, that meant tackling 10km - the longest distance ever in the school’s pool! I set a goal to break 2:30, and with the support of my Yeti squad pacing me through the final kilometers, I made it in 2:27. Pool swimming is a different kind of challenge — no waves, no scenery, just pure grit and focus.

Then, straight into the corporate relay challenge where I had to get my sprint on as part of the Re/Max Living Yeti team (with special guest star @andragoi_ !! — four fiercely competitive heats, a spot in the final, and a solid 5th place finish! Huge thanks to @cape.town.property and all the other corporate sponsors for backing this fantastic initiative.

But the real highlight? Seeing the power of sport in action. My 8 year-old son set a goal of 20 laps in 20 minutes - then smashed out 30! It’s a reminder that when we push our own limits, we often exceed them. And when we do it for a cause greater than ourselves, sport becomes more than just a challenge—it becomes a force for good.

Special thanks to @arenaplanetwater for my gear, and the Yetis @dave_w4153 @eishman01 @jennifer.southgate @marshm.ocean for the support
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#Swimathon #PushYourLimits #SwimForGood #YetiSquad #arenaplanetwater #planetwater #campsbayprimary

If you’re not prepared to lose, you can’t win.

If you’re not prepared to lose, you can’t win. If you’re not willing to fail, you won’t truly succeed.

Risk and reward go hand in hand—whether in the water, in business, or in life. The fear of failing holds so many people back, but the real loss is never trying at all.

Line up. Take the leap. Chase the unknown. That’s where growth happens.
📷 @camonur @aquamastersswimming

#Fearless #SwimAgainstTheCurrent #PushYourLimits #OpenWaterSwimming

Last days of summer - whether it’s a 5km swim, a

Last days of summer - whether it’s a 5km swim, a leisurely dip, or just feeling the sun, make it count! @arenaplanetwater
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#makeitcount #arenaplanetwater #arenaswimwear #arenaswim #summer #swimmer #marathonswimmer

The last stretch of Roman Rock 2025—having fough

The last stretch of Roman Rock 2025—having fought the surge, pushed through 5.2km of big water with over 80 other swimmers, and loving every moment of it! Relentless ocean energy, the kind of swim that truly tests the limits. First woman and third overall. Thanks @bigbayevents and @ryan_stramrood for an epic swim, and @arenaplanetwater for epic gear!
🎥 @thatgirlhelena
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#romanrock #openwaterswimming #arenaplanetwater #arenathunder #arenawetsuit #bigbayevents #swimrace #swimmer #openwaterswimmer

Thrilled to have been part of Absa Technology SLG

It’s always inspiring to meet a fellow keynote s

It’s always inspiring to meet a fellow keynote speaker, especially someone as trailblazing as mandisa_mfeka . We both had the honour of speaking at ABSA Technology’s SLG session at Melrose Arch today, and connecting with her was truly a privilege. A history-maker, she became South Africa’s first Black female fighter pilot, breaking barriers and proving that the sky is not the limit but just the beginning.

Her achievements and impact speak for themselves, and it was an honour to share this platform with someone who continues to inspire so many.

Big thanks to @absa.southafrica for having us!
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#BreakingBarriers #Inspiration #WomenWhoLead #keynotespeaker #inspirationalspeakers #inspirationalspeaker #southafricanwomen

What a season this is! Last night, #DuoSterling ad

What a season this is! Last night, #DuoSterling added strings and flute to a spectacular evening of live poetry and dance at @b20southafrica’s gala dinner at @centurycityconferencecentre—an unforgettable event!

Loving the energy of this busy time… and no slowing down just yet—Joburg next for a keynote for ABSA! 🎶💪 @sterlingeqofficial #B20 #SpeakerLife #OnTheMove

First woman and third overall at the Langebaan Aro

First woman and third overall at the Langebaan Around the Island 3.2K today! Stunning conditions, beautiful water, and a race I truly enjoyed. Always a pleasure to swim in my @arenaplanetwater Powerskin Carbon! Thanks @bigbayevents for a great swim and congrats to all the swimmers who took on the lagoon!
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#aroundtheisland #langebaanlagoon #arenacarbon #arenapowerskin #arenaracesuit #capetownswim #openwaterswimming #swimrace #swimmer

There’s no substitute for hard work - but also n

There’s no substitute for hard work - but also nothing quite like the reward when it all comes together. The hours of practice, the late nights, the travel, the dedication… it all fades away in the moment of performance, replaced by the pure joy of doing what you love and work for.

This was @sterlingeqofficial last night at @sandtonconventioncentre for the DealMakers Awards. When do you feel it all coming together?
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#HardWorkPaysOff #PassionAndPerformance #sterlingeq #jazzflute #jazzflutist #electricflute #electricstrings

2nd lady and 6th overall in the rough and wonderfu

2nd lady and 6th overall in the rough and wonderful @bluelagoontriathlon 3.5km swim! About 160 swimmers took on wild winds and icy waters - what a battle!

3.5km in 47 minutes, and every second was a thrill!

Huge respect to @jesshayeshill for a relentless race, taking me in the sprint finish. And to every swimmer who pushed their boundaries, whatever they may be - epic effort!

So great to see the Yeti crew, @eishman01 and @dave_w4153, dominating the skins field. 💪 Big thanks to @arenaplanetwater for the best gear and to the organisers for making it happen!
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#arenaplanetwater #planetwater #swimrace #openwaterswimming #bluelagoontriathlon #bluelagoonswim #langebaan #arenawetsuit

Ready for you, weekend, after a commanding and con

Ready for you, weekend, after a commanding and confident close to a busy, challenging week. Grateful for the opportunities, the music, the workshopping, and the moments that push us to grow.
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#elegance #commanding #inspirationalspeaker #weekend #southafricanwomen

Such a pleasure speaking to the SA team from @anth

Such a pleasure speaking to the SA team from @anthesis.south.africa Anthesis at the beautiful @elginriverlodge , where they gathered to recharge, reflect, and gear up for the exciting challenges ahead in growth and change.

Even better to receive this feedback: “Hi Carina, thanks so much for yesterday. The team really enjoyed it and said it was one of the highlights of the getaway!”

A truly inspiring retreat in an incredible setting!

#KeynoteSpeaker #Leadership #Growth #Inspiration #change #inspiration #inspirationalkeynote #femalespeaker

It’s been a Sterling week with @sterlingeqoffici

It’s been a Sterling week with @sterlingeqofficial! Thrilled to have brought the music to the @radissoncollectionwaterfront Grand Opening Party—what a night! Loving summer, Cape Town, and the magic of live entertainment. #SterlingEQ #CapeTownNights #LiveMusic #capetownevents #radissoncollectionwaterfront #capetown #radissonwaterfront #electricstrings #electricflute

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