Social media personalities and close friends Erwan Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, and Wil Dasovich recently took on the challenge of their first-ever open water swimming competition at Oceanman Siargao 2025.

On their personal Instagram accounts, the trio documented their exciting and hilarious  adventure as first-timers completing a grueling 5-kilometer swim in the open ocean.

Erwan shared a humorous video of the group psyching themselves up before the race, comparing themselves to sea creatures: Nico as a dolphin and Erwan and Wil as sharks.

“We are all tough guys until the current hits. From sharks to clown fish real quick. First 5km open water ocean man is done!” Erwan wrote in a post.

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A post shared by Erwan Heussaff (@erwan)

Nico also posted “before and after” clips showing the team celebrating their finish. While Erwan and Wil proudly flexed their medals, Nico was seen lying exhausted on the shore, still wearing his medal.

“Thanks @oceanmanswim ... whats next! Proper updates coming soon!” Nico said.

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A post shared by Nico Bolzico (@nicobolzico)

Wil shared the most detailed recap through a 20-slide Instagram Story, describing the race as “a story of brotherhood, betrayal & triumph.”

“The Dramatic Ending to our 5km Swim at Oceanman Siargao 2025,” he said.

“Thanks to @alizonruizz @saltchuckswimph and @kaloyplar_frdvr for teaching us how to swim. Our captain @erwan for being the team leader. @oceanman_philippines for this incredible opportunity. And @katigsiargao for hosting me through this crazy week!” Wil said.

In the next photos and clips, Wil shared that he woke up late on race day, misplaced his car keys, and even missed some of Nico’s energy drink. He added that due to strong currents, they ended up swimming closer to seven kilometers instead of five.

“The Kuya Kim of Oceanman explained to us the weather, direction of the currents, how we need to adjust, how it will affect our swimming and all this mathematical analytical stuff I don't understand 'cause I am a pool swimmer in the city and not an ocean survivalist,” Wil said.

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A post shared by Wil Dasovich (@wil_dasovich)

He added, “We also have to memorize the different colored buoys which are 2km away that I can't even see because it's so far. I just let Erwan do all the work then I copy his homework na lang in the ocean.”

As the race approached, Wil admitted to feeling intimidated. To boost his morale, Erwan and Nico hyped him up, partly teasing him for being the youngest in the group.

“@ErCo trying to hype me up 'cause they think I am pretending to be sad 'for the vlog' but I’m not even vlogging! They bully me because I’m 2 years younger than them, so it makes them feel old and pa-wise!” he said in a caption.

READ: Nico Bolzico shares progress in swimming lessons: ‘Today is a different story!’

During the race, Erwan helped Wil maintain his pace, but they eventually got separated. Wil pushed forward and ultimately finished in the top 10, along with Erwan.

In a heartfelt message to Erwan, Wil wrote: “Thank u for guiding me while I was lost, for sacrificing your body to drag me through your draft, pacing/pushing me to the limit, & to have this crazy 5km swim idea in the 1st place. I literally wouldn't & couldn't have done it without you. Next time I'll train harder, study the map, and carry u so u don't have to pull me through the ocean again (peace sign emohji) Labyu.”  

Celebrities and friends including Bianca Gonzalez, Isabelle Daza, Kim Atienza, Rica Peralejo, Dyan Castillejo, and Ernest Obiena congratulated the trio for completing their first open water swim.