Speedo Ice Swim Africa - NB info for all participants

Monday, 11 July 2011 10:42

Dear Speedo Ice Swim Africa participants

By now, you should all be aware that your entry has been accepted, subject to a vetting swim, ice bath and medical clearance.

Congratulations on reaching this stage and good luck in your final preparations. Please note the following important info:

Vetting swims are at at Silvermine Dam (on Ou Kaapseweg) on 11 & 12 July. Get there by 4:45pm (gates close 5pm sharp) and make allowance for heavy traffic heading out of town. We swim at 5:15pm. Attend at least one vetting swim but try to get to both if you can. Silvermine Dam is ideal for training so try to get there as much as you can before the event but don’t swim alone. Always bring warm clothes for after your swims.
Ice baths are set for Friday 15 July (1 – 2pm) and Saturday 16 July (11 – noon) at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. Attend at least one but try to make both if you can. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start. There are change rooms and a hot shower at the site.
ECGs and medicals are being conducted by Dr Sean Gottschalk from Mediclinic at Medi-Travel International, V&A Waterfront Clocktower on 7, 8 and 14 July from 8am – 4pm. To book, call 021 419 1888. The cost of the ECG is covered in your entry fees. Medical checks are R235.00. If you have already undertaken a medical with your own GP, mail your certificate of fitness from your doctor and your ECG report to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it but please note that a medical document which you can download here must be completed by your GP or Dr Gottschalk.
Qualification & Indemnity: A final decision on whether or not you qualify to swim is subject to successful completion of all of the above and will be taken by the swim committee. All participants take part at their own risk and must sign an indemnity document to be sent to you shortly.
Speedo branded gear: As this event is sponsored and made possible by Speedo -- and is being filmed -- kindly wear Speedo branded gear (costumes and caps) to the vetting swims & ice baths and please avoid wearing loudly branded competing brands to the event. Note that you will receive a Speedo branded costume, towel, swimming cap and the latest Rift Pro Goggle in your goodie bags at Fraserburg on Friday evening, 22 July.
Costume sizes: Pse send your name and costume size to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it now.
Film: Taxijam.TV is producing a film of this event. The film-maker is Richard Wall. He will be shooting most of above including this Sunday’s regular Camps Bay 9am swim – another opportunity for some cold water training. Richard would like to shoot some swimmers a little earlier on Sunday morning. If you are able to be at the beach by 7:30am, ready to swim at 7:45, kindly indicate now at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Meet Richard on the lawn in front of Café Caprice at 7:30.
Cold water training: Are you training regularly in cold water? If not, it is essential to do so. Go to the Speedo Ice Swim Africa page on Facebook and hook up with others to get to Silvermine, Camps Bay, Clifton or any other sites of cold water. Acclimatisation and physical fitness is key to your success.
Gauteng swimmers: A big welcome to Ray Butcher, Mark van Schaik (both 1 Mile Ice Swim) and Mathias Koglin (600m Endurance Swim) who are among the field and who are undertaking vetting swims and ice baths in Gauteng. We look forward to hooking up with them in Fraserburg.
Accommodation and meal bookings: All for your own account and through Ronel on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Call 023 7411870 or 083 227 2407.

Best of luck

The organsing team

021 785 3683

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.