Route(s)The swim is a “landmark”-based swim by which I mean that landmarks are identified as targets at which to aim. Alongside is the typical Miler route • [1] Start: 4th beach Clifton (Left corner between start flags) • [4] From the line to the buoy 50m off the beach. • Right-hand turn and aim for the 2nd last block of flats from the (Arcadia) point. (Sea Point side)[5] • Cross Cherry reef (2nd beach) taking care of avoiding breaking water • 100m from the flats turn round (180’) the 2nd buoy and head for the red-roof bungalow on the Ridge (Camps Bay side)[5] • When passing Bun Rock (4th-3rd separator) start sighting the 1st buoy. • Left hand turn around the 1st buoy and head for the finish flags. • Smile for the camera ;-) You have just completed what many only dream of... |  |
• Collect a finish tag.
• Give your race number to the race marshal.
Hi future polar bear! BackgroundThe swim started as a fun communal way to appreciate the outdoor open water sport of swimming. A number of the participants use the swim as a training ground for the Robben Island crossing. Albeit the route is around a nautical mile whereas the crossing is 7.5km/11.5km respectively it does provide an introduction to cold water and deep water swimming. Swimmers can elect to wear wetsuits as it is a fun swim. Only a handful do though. Format
The swim takes place in a format I like to call Hares and Hounds. The objective of the format is to
reduce the spread of times and in so doing keep swimmers of different speeds in a much closer
group. The “ultimate” objective is for the timing to be such that all swimmers finish together.
New swimmers automatically are placed with the Hares and in so doing receive a 5 minute head-start
on the Hounds. The expected finish time of a Hare is ± 38 minutes (roughly 7-minutes per
400m). Swimmers who have completed the swim previously have already found “swim-buddies” and
generally elect to swim in the group that resembles their speed more closely.
Hares have the advantage of leading, whereas Hounds have the advantage of chasing. Many a Hound has been surprised at the tenacity of the Hare when caught and has muttered under-breath at the Hare finding hidden reservoirs of speed. | What to remember1. Swim-cap (silicone) 2. Goggles 3. Towel 4. Warm bed that you are giving up for the swim! And explanation to your partner as to why you need to get to bed early the night before [Registration 08h15 Start 09h15] 5. Sanity – if you feel uncomfortable at any time of the swim turn-around and head back to the start. The swim will be there next time. It requires 3 people to want to swim before a swim actually will take place.(6. Spare goggles ; spare swim-cap ... you just never know..) |
