Swimfari Event in Cornwall

This event was a result of a late night brain storming session. Sea Swim Cornwall wanted to come up with a shorter, safer event specifically aimed at slower swimmers, swimming newbies, the head up breaststrokers, the less competitive swimmer, people that don’t like the mass starts and aren’t a fan of the more formal and competitive swimming events.

We set a rough geographical area for the swims and then wait until 2-3 days before the event day. We’ll then email the participants after looking at a short range, fairly accurate forecast of the conditions. This allows us to offer enjoyable swims, in the most favourable and safe conditions.

The Swimfari events typically consist of 3-5 swims over the course of the morning and afternoon. Each swim is approx 500 - 1200m in length. The exact distance is up to you, as is whether or not you take part in all of the swims. We have a number of water safety crew spread out across the swim length, so it’s very easy to turn back early if you’d like.

The St Mawes Swimfari this year was a real hit. We planned the whole event around having a spring high tide at the St Just-in-Roseland pool / harbour. A swim that never disappoints. You walk down through the subtropical Church garden to the banks of the harbour. From there you have a sheltered swim, in the shadow of the Church and gardens. Most swam out through the harbour and onto the river. This year we had a little morning mist, which made the swim a little more dramatic than usual but no less spectacular. From there we put on 3 magical swims, all based around St Mawes Castle and St Mawes itself. The feedback from the event has been great and we’ll look to plan a 10km swim around the same area in 2022 (broken into 2 x 5km swims).

The 10K Big River Day

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 :