Freedom Swim 2008
In South Africa the 27th April is a commemorative public holiday, Freedom Day. It's a day when we remember the miracle of our first democratic elections in 1994.
This day is also quickly becoming synonymous with the Freedom Swim. Billed as the extreme cold water swim in the world, there will be close to 110 solo swimmers and, at last count 19 teams making cold crossing from Robben Island to Blouberg beach.
Those making the crossing will be adhering to the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association and Channel rules, which means all swimmers (besides a few relay teams) are only permitted to wear a basic swimming costume, cap and goggles. With the current temperatures in the bay ranging between 10 and 13 degrees celsius, the challenge of the 7.5km distance pales into insignificance compared to the fight against the cold.
The organisers reserve the right to postpone the swim to Sunday should the conditions be too dangerous, however looking at the weather predictions, this seems unlikely this year. The swimmers are due to leave the island at 10am and will take between 90mins and 3 hours to make the crossing. This year spectators will be entertained on the beach with events taking place while waiting for the swimmers.
Once again the event's primary sponsor is Cadiz Financial Strategy Group, with all the proceeds in aid of the Vista Nova School for special needs children. The aim is to raise at least R75 000-00 and judging on the continual upward curve of the number of entries this target should be reached with ease.
Finally, it must be said that Eishman has been roped into swimming for Team Bouyancy! Eish!! what was I thinking?
Once thawed I will post on the experience.
You will also be able to follow the progress of some of the swimmers at SportsTrack.net
Related post : Freedom Swim 2007
This day is also quickly becoming synonymous with the Freedom Swim. Billed as the extreme cold water swim in the world, there will be close to 110 solo swimmers and, at last count 19 teams making cold crossing from Robben Island to Blouberg beach.
Those making the crossing will be adhering to the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association and Channel rules, which means all swimmers (besides a few relay teams) are only permitted to wear a basic swimming costume, cap and goggles. With the current temperatures in the bay ranging between 10 and 13 degrees celsius, the challenge of the 7.5km distance pales into insignificance compared to the fight against the cold.
The organisers reserve the right to postpone the swim to Sunday should the conditions be too dangerous, however looking at the weather predictions, this seems unlikely this year. The swimmers are due to leave the island at 10am and will take between 90mins and 3 hours to make the crossing. This year spectators will be entertained on the beach with events taking place while waiting for the swimmers.
Once again the event's primary sponsor is Cadiz Financial Strategy Group, with all the proceeds in aid of the Vista Nova School for special needs children. The aim is to raise at least R75 000-00 and judging on the continual upward curve of the number of entries this target should be reached with ease.
Finally, it must be said that Eishman has been roped into swimming for Team Bouyancy! Eish!! what was I thinking?
Once thawed I will post on the experience.
You will also be able to follow the progress of some of the swimmers at SportsTrack.net
Related post : Freedom Swim 2007
Labels: eish, freedom day, freedom swim, open water swimming, robben island, swimming, vista nova
Good luck Eishman, holding thumbs for warm waters! I was hoping to be ready to swim too but training has been slow so put it off to next year.. but will be there on Sat to welcome you guys across!
Posted by Anonymous | April 23, 2008 at 4:25 PM
@Coda : Look out for the dramatic emergence of Team Bouyancy! I too have had a problem getting some quality time in the water. I am hoping the fact that I can tag a team mate will make the crossing bearable!
Posted by eishman | April 23, 2008 at 4:53 PM
oh no, that's cheating, go for gold!! 7.5km is a leisurely paddle. :P
Posted by coda | April 23, 2008 at 7:55 PM
The 7.5km is not the problem, it's the water temp!
Posted by eishman | April 24, 2008 at 1:10 PM