In 2008, the start line at the inaugural Great North Swim was electrified by the jangling nerves of new outdoor swimmers in their new wetsuits. It was the ideal start to their outdoor swimming journey – calm, beautiful, a brilliantly achievable test of nerves as much as ability.
Those mass events were how we started open water swimming back in the day. Among our reasons for signing up, we wanted to improve our fitness and take on a personal challenge. We didn’t expect the many health and wellbeing benefits that came with swimming in open water, but we felt them, and so began our love of swimming outdoors.
It almost feels like that picture has flipped around now. With so many more reasons to starting swimming outdoors and so many options to join friends, organised groups, or go along to a paid venue, are outdoor swimming events still essential?
SETTING GOALS
That very first Great North Swim was modelled on mass participation running events. Attracting a mix of more than two thousand swimmers, from the elite, including five Olympic Open Water medallists, to ‘fun’ swimmers of all ages and abilities, it had a similar vibe to a half marathon.
Level Water offers a wide range of events