As open water swimming rides a strong growth curve, 2012 sees the launch of the UK’s first activity day dedicated to the open water swim category. An estimated 500 visitors and 150 race competitors are expected to attend the season opener at the Reading Lake Hotel, Reading, on Saturday 28 April.
The world’s first and only dedicated open water swimming magazine, H2Open, is partnering with event consultants Triathlon Racing Inc to deliver a unique programme of open water swimming events. This includes an exhibition, equipment testing, an expert speaker seminar programme, swim demonstrations, the presentation ceremony for the inaugural H2Open Awards, and a 750m ‘no pressure early season practice race’.
The organisers are working closely with My Sporting Times, the proprietors of the Tri20 open water swim centre based at the venue, to offer a taster day to those who are new to swimming in open water. This is in tandem with an opportunity for the more experienced swimmer or triathlete to take on an early season swim, to learn from the experts and to see what products and services are new to the market.
“At a time when participation in open water swimming is seeing unprecedented growth, we believe that we have created a day of activity for everyone, with celebrities, top coaches, and elite swimmers planned to participate. We are keen to encourage the whole family to attend and children as well as adults will be able to take part in the training race or coached sessions,” said Simon Griffiths, publisher of H2Open magazine.
Coaching and swim technique specialist SwimForTri, swimming adventure holiday specialists Big Blue and the National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA) are the first to confirm their support for the H2Open Day and the H2Open Awards. The awards will celebrate 2011’s achievements in open water swimming. These have already received some worthy nominations with more expected before the closing date of 29 February.
For more information, to participate in the H2Open Day, to nominate for the H2Open Awards, or to sponsor or exhibit, visit www.h2openmagazine.com or contact Simon Griffiths on simon.griffiths[at]h2openmagazine.com or +44 (0)7958 312 607.
