10K Day 2023 - 10km Swimming Event

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Another year, another 10K Day! Starting to feel like it’s slightly cursed, as we had the same howling westerly winds…but I think the fact that it went ahead (when at least Cornish events running on the same day over the past 2 years have been cancelled) says volumes about the concept we’ve devised.

Rather than specifying a set location, we look at an entire area. We’ll check out the forecast 2-3 days before the event date and then contact the entrants with an exact meeting point and time. That way we can offer the safest and most enjoyable conditions possible. The 10km of swimming is also split up into 3-4 swims and is run as a challenge, rather than an event. This way, you can avoid mass starts, congested turns around buoys and some of the general rough and tumble that can come with similar events. It also allows the entrants the opportunity to check out lots of different areas and experience a number of swims. With lots of the entrants coming from out-of-county, the chances of a cancellation are also minimised. In the event of a cancellation (and unlike a few other event organisers), we’ll offer a refund.

2023 saw us take on 4 swims. We had planned on holding the event in west Cornwall but strong westerly winds forced us over to the Lizard Peninsulas east coast. With 2 delightful swims at Porthallow (one slightly challenging), one sheltered and shorter swim at Porthoustock (in crystal clear waters) and the finale at Coverack. A 3.5km swim in delightful conditions.

The 10K Big River Day

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Thinking of entering the 10K Big River Day! Here are a few useful pieces of info and some advice.

GETTING TO ST MAWES :

  • Easiest way is to drive. If you add your journey to a car sharing app like ‘Bla Bla Car’ we’ll happily share the link and try and assist with car sharing. Makes the journey more affordable and provides a bit of company of the drive down.

  • Stay in Falmouth and get the ferry across. Before looking at this option get in touch with us and we’ll arrange a lift back into Falmouth (with us), as the ferry stops quite early. Falmouth has a train line.

ACCOMMODATION :

  • A general rule for Cornwall in the summer is book early(ish).

  • Hotel - loads of hotels in the local area. They tend to be quite high-end so it depends on budget

  • Trewince Farm Touring - is slightly further out. Reasonably priced and comes with great reviews. Other options include Treloan Coastal Holidays and Trethem Mill Touring Park

  • There are a number of B&Bs in the area

SUITABILITY :

  • We try to be as inclusive as possible but we do have to factor in the tide on this one. You need to swim at around 1.40-1.50 per 100m pace. You will also receive a little 1-knot push from the tide on both legs. We’re more concerned about the distance. You need to be able to comfortably swim 5km in one go, have a break and then swim the same distance again.

  • We’ve thought about this long and hard and aren’t going to include a drinks break over the 5km legs. You therefore need to be well hydrated at the start and ensure you have plenty of fluid and something to eat at the half-way point.

  • If the swim does take you too long we will introduce a cut-off….as the tide will turn and you’ll be swimming against it.

THE ROUTE & SAFETY :

  • We tested this route at the start of October in horrendous onshore conditions! We’re talking 30-40mph winds. Your proximity to the shoreline on the swim is entirely up to you but we would say the following : over the first 3km you’re no more than 40m from land and most of the swim is quite shallow, you’ll have a slight current assisting you on both legs, we’ll have water safety positioned in the mouth of St Just-in-Roseland Harbour (they rarely have any traffic) and the rest is very straight forward.

  • You are required to wear a tow float. There is very light water traffic but most of the swim is too shallow for boats to come anywhere near the swim route.

  • The half-way break for most people will be around 60-80 minutes. Refreshments will be available. We’ll also transport a bag to the half way point so people can bring their own snacks, drinks, warm clothes, spare goggle/hats etc.

QUESTIONS :

Any further questions feel free to get in touch. At the time of writing we’re only opening the event up to 40 entrants. At full capacity we’ll consider adding some additional places, after checking on the availability of suitable, additional water cover/safety. If you do miss out on a place, contact us and we’ll add you to a waiting list…on the chance that we do include additional places.

FOR TICKETS : CLICK HERE

THE HALF WAY POINT :

THE RECCE DAY :

PREVIOUS SWIMS IN THE LOCAL AREA :