Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming in the Royal Navy is a growing sport.  The navy are the 2010 Interservice Open Water Champions having the fasted accumilated time for the first three swimmers home during the 5km swim in Lake Bala, North Wales.  They are also the Inter-Service Cross Channel Relay Champions having completed the event in 2009 in a time of 10 hours and 5 minutes.  The navy compete in many civilian competitions throughout the year both nationally and internationally.

Open water swimming, by definition, means a swim in any natural body of water – river, lake or sea.  Open water swimming is classified into short distance, long distance and marathon swimming.  Short distance is any event that is under 1.5km (approx 1 mile) long, long distance is from 1.5km to 25km (about 16 miles) and marathon swimming is any event over 25km.  Finishing a swim, regardless of distance, is the goal that draws many open water swimmers into the sport.  The time taken to complete the event is irrelevant compared to completing the course itself, since the elements will always play a part in changing the course and testing the swimmer.

Open water swimmers have to push themselves through numerous barriers.  Some day’s conditions may be perfect, but the swimmers mind may not be ready to face the swim.  On other days your body may give up.  So why do people jump into the open water?  If you have ever battled and persevered through obstacles you know the feeling of achieving your goal.  This feeling is why open water swimmers keep challenging the elements.

Ferry, Ryde, Swim - 4 Sep 10

24 swimmers will embark on their journey from Ryde beach at 0930 on the morning of Sat 4 Sep.  They will set off in 2 groups of 12 and will be supported by canoeists from the Portsmouth Canoe Club and other volunteers.  They will also be supported by boats who will monitor their progress in conjunction with WAVE 105 FM and BFBS radio.

The closing date for entries is 30 June and the swimmers will be a mixture of serving and ex-serving personnel, WAVE 105 FM workers, civilians attached to the RNSC and a few invited guests from local swimming clubs.  We are still looking for volunteers so if you or if you know anyone who could help on the day it would be much appreciated.  You will not believe how happy the swimmers will be to see you and a towel after the swim!

Money raised from this event will go towards H4H to purchase some new pool equipment and for WAVE's charity CASH FOR KIDS.  On the day there will be a BBQ on completion for all.

For more information on events please use the calendar or contact Royal Navy Open Water Swimming at rns1a@fleetfost.mod.uk