Extreme swim in icy Fraserburg waters
Wednesday, 27 July 2011 10:57
Ca ryn Dolley FREEZING air stings fmgers and makes it difficult to clutch a cup of coffee. That's how cold it is in Fraserburg, in the Karoo, at sunrise. But while scores of people dressed in thick layers stand around Nuwedam shuffling on the spot to keep warm, a little group is nearly bare except for Speedos, swimming caps and goggles.
They are all set for a major body-numbing swim in water at 5oC. About 35 extreme swimmers completed either a one mile or 600m swim in the freezing water on Saturday as part of the second annual Speedo Ice Swim Africa event. When swimmers emerged from the water after completing the swim, their skin pinkish red from the cold, some needed help walking and a team from Medi-Clinic attended to them. Between swims, lifeguards and photographers stood around fires, steam rising from their wetsuits. The event raised about R15 000 for the Fraserburg Destiny Academy. The ice swim was businessman Ram Barkai's brainchild.
After completing the onemile swim, Barkai, founder of the International Ice Swimming Association (USA) and Guinness World Record holder for the world's most southerly swim, a kilometre in 1oC in Antarctica three years ago, said the event had gone well. "Some people think it's crazy But just look at this. We're in the middle of the desert, it's early morning and everyone's so excited," he said. Henko Roukema, 19, of Cape Town, the youngest to complete the one-mile swim, said he was glad when it was over. "It's all in the preparation. Last year, I did the 600m," he said. In order to prepare for the weekend event, swimmers had to submerge themselves in ice baths in the weeks leading up to the swim. Roukema, like most of the other swimmers, said he planned to participate in the event again next year Those who completed the one-mile swim and were not already members, became members of the IISA.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ORDEAL: From left, Thembalani Dayile, David Taitz, Phillip Dempster and Aphinda Afrika prepare to swim 600m in freezing water of about 5oC at Nuwedam in Fraserburg. They participated in the second Speedo Ice Swim, raising money for a school in Fraserburg. Picture: MICHAEL WALKER
Nuwedam Temperature
8am, 19 July: 4 °C
Directions & Maps
Click on images to enlarge
For a Google map and route directions, click here
Note: from Cape Town there are two routes to Fraserburg – either through Sutherland or to Leeu-Gamka, then left on the R353.
The Leeu-Gamka route is strongly recommended.
Entry Criteria
Entry fees:
- Ice Swim – R1000
- Endurance Swim – R600
Ice Swimmers who successfully complete the mile will qualify for membership of the IISA and receive the prestigious IISA Red Jacket
All swimmers will receive a Speedo goodie bag.
Paid entry secures the application. Refunds (minus 10% admin fee) possible only until 18 July. Thereafter at IISA management’s discretion.
Entries are capped for logistical and safety reasons.
Entry criteria:
All entrants must be fit, have adequate cold water swimming experience and must undergo a medical check, preferably by Dr Sean Gottschalk from Mediclinic or by their own medical practicioner who must complete a document here. Send this completed document to info@leapcommunications.co.za by 15 July. Additionall each entrant must undergo an ECG by Mediclinic at the Travel Clinic at the V&A Waterfront Clocktower on either 7, 8 or 14 July. Call 021 419 1888 to book.
Ice Swim applicants must have previously completed the 1 Mile Speedo Ice Swim Africa or; completed a Robben Island crossing in 13°C or lower or; have extensive cold water swimming experience; or have completed the endurance swim.
All entrants must undertake at least one vetting swim at Silvermine Dam, Cape Town, within two weeks of the event (11 & 12 July).
All entrants must undertake at least one ice bath set for Friday 15 July (1 – 2pm) and Saturday 16 July (11 – noon) at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre.
All entrants are encouraged to swim in cold water (preferably below 13°C) regularly (at least twice a week) in the weeks leading up to the event.
The Swim Committee’s decision on qualification and participation is final and will be taken in the interests of safety.
General:
Swimmers to arrange their own transport, accommodation and all meals – all for their personal account. Contact our host in Fraserburg, Ronel Le Roux, owner of Die Kliphuis Country Inn, who will refer you to various guest houses or private homes being made available for accommodation. Call her on Tel/Fax: 023-7411870 or cell:0832272407, email rler@vodamail.co.za. Die Kliphuis will offer meals throughout the weekend.
Swimmers must attend a briefing in Fraserburg on Friday 22 July at the agricultural show grounds from 6:30pm.
A traditional Karoo braai will be available at the show grounds on Friday evening 22 July after the briefing. On Saturday evening, 23 July, a pootjiekos meal and awards function will be hosted at the grounds from 6:30pm. Book in advance through Ronel at rler@vodamail.co.za and pay at the venue. A cash bar will be available.
Most accommodation will either be self catering or offer bed and breakfast. Ronel le Roux’s Kliphuis will offer meals throughout the weekend. Ideally, book in advance.
All swimmers to be at Nuwedam by 8:45am on Saturday, 23 July and conditions dependent, the first heat will commence by 9:15am.
Every swimmer must be treated in Medi-Clinic’s medical facility directly after they exit the water and may only leave once discharged by the CMO.
