SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (English Edition)~01 Sep 2011~p24
Monday, 22 August 2011 09:22
2 Ice, ice babies SUTHERLAND, SOUTH AFRICA Ice-swimming is an increasingly popular pastime in some crazy northern hemisphere countries where sub-zero temperatures are the norm.
Lunatics from Finland, Russia and Norway combine sauna sessions with a dip in freezing-cold water, but here in South Africa, our lunatics do things a bit differently. [No sauna for our crazies! - Ed.] In July, with permanent shrinkage a real possibility, 16 intrepid athletes made history by becoming the biggest group of swimmers to complete a mile in vvater of 5oC.
The venue for the Speedo Ice Swim was the Nuwedam near Sutherland, which is traditionally the coldest part of South Africa - in fact the ambient temperature on the morning of the swim was a freezing 0 to -5oC! Participants included Ram Barkai, founder of the International Ice Swimming Association [whose idea of a perfect Father's Day is swimming to Robben Island with his four kids on a boat - Ed.], as well as mad men Ryan Stramrood, Andrew Chin, Toks Viviers and Kieron Palframan - all of whom recently became the first people ever to swim around South America's Cape Horn. The swimmers also included Cecilia Schutte, the first SA woman to swim that distance in temperatures below 5o C.
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.
