The Original Menai Strait Swim

Name: The Original Menai Strait Swim
Start: 2024-10-19T10:00:00+01:00
Location: Menai Strait

Schedule

Sat Oct 19 2024 at 10:00 am

UTC+01:00

Location

Menai Strait | Bangor, WA

Join us for this unique and rare opportunity to swoosh down the stunning Menai Strait, the narrow and dangerous channel of sea that separates the Island of Anglesey from mainland North Wales! We will guide you safely through the bubbling ‘Swellies’, under the two historic bridges and show you stunning views and a variety of wildlife in this beautiful, Special Area of Conservation.
The Original Menai Strait Swim
Total distance: 6.5km
Price: £120pp (+£5 booking fee per person)
Meeting time & location: TBC
Places available: 12 people max
Price
We believe that the price for this completely unique experience is good value. There are 6 people that work during this event, including 2 kayakers and two powerboat pilots (plus their boat!) all of whom are are fully qualified and experienced, to make this swim as safe as it possibly could be. They are all paid a full day rate and keep the following day available in case we have to move the day of the swim due to weather! Please see below for more details about what is included.
It’s not a race!
This is a guided swimming challenge, not a race, so there will be no medal for you at the end, but you will take away with you some fantastic memories, some new friends, and a big smile! It is imperative for safety that we all stay together and move at the same pace. You will not be allowed to swim off ahead and no one will be left behind! Believe us, you’ll want to go as slowly as possible to make the most of every minute you have in this unique environment!
We will provide the following:
- The ratio of safety crew to swimmers will be 5:12
- Qualified Guides: You’ll have no worries about getting lost, just relax and enjoy your surroundings and the swim!
- Transport to the start: We will bus you to the start of the swim and we will swim back to the location of your cars.
- Water safety & support: We will have a power boat driven by crew experienced in negotiating the waters of the Strait. We will also have an experienced safety kayaker who will guide you through the tricky sections and a tail end kayak guide to keep an eye on everyone and make sure we all stay together. A swimming guide will also be in the water with you to offer support. If you get too tired or too cold to finish the swim you will be able to get into the support boat to finish the journey.
- First Aid: There is a dedicated First Aider stationed in the safety boat. All guides are first aid trained and will be carrying first aid kits.
Pace, Ability & Experience
For either swim distance, you MUST have previous experience of sea swimming in rough conditions and be a very confident and strong swimmer. This swim is a serious, committing and dangerous undertaking. Please be sure that your swimming ability is in-line with the criteria set on the website for each distance and that you are happy with the our terms and conditions before entering. If during the swim you are unable to keep up with the group you will be retired from the swim.
The swimming speed of the members of the group will vary so please be aware that you may not be traveling as fast as you might if you were swimming alone! The emphasis is on keeping going, not speed! The pace will be dictated by the guide, taking into account the ability of the group as a whole. You will need a good level of fitness to take part and will need to keep moving at a good pace to keep warm. If you struggle during the event and this begins to impact on the well being of the rest of the group we will politely ask you to get into the support boat.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Equipment required:
Wetsuit and tow float are compulsory – NO EXCEPTIONS, please do not ask!
Compulsory kit:
– Wetsuit: Full or shortie (we recommend full as we could be in the water for a while and there may be jellyfish)
– Brightly coloured swimming specific tow float
– Brightly coloured swimming hat that Love SwimRun can supply
We recommend you wear/carry:
– Thermal/insulating layers underneath: rash vests or neoprene vests
– Neoprene accessories – gloves, socks, hat
– Googles
– Energy gel
For more information please go to: http://loveswimrun.co.uk/menaistraitswim/