Swimmers make a splash at Longmere
The first Funkypants open-water swim of the year took place at Longmere Dam on Saturday.
The warmer temperatures mark the start of the summer as well as the start of an exciting swimming season. The first Funkypants open-water swim of the year took place at Longmere Dam on Saturday. A total of 61 swimmers took part with only 10 taking the challenge of doing the three-kilometre event and three of them also completing the 1 500 metres.
These swimmers have their target set and are looking forward to three more events to come on October 24, November 14 and December 6, but in order to compete for the overall series prize, they need to complete three of the four stages.
Those who are relatively fit complete the 1 500-metre swim with ease, whereas the three-kilometre race requires extreme fitness, and the 400 metre is an introduction to open-water swimming. The highlight of the event was Jacey Bekker winning both the three-kilometre and 1 500-metre race convincingly.
This is a unique event as it is small and runs without any sponsors. It especially caters for those who are scared to swim an open-water event to start off with. Longmere Dam is outstanding and provides a fun family and community spirit that is hard to find at larger events around the country.
