ABERDOVEY SWIM FESTIVAL 29th - 30th September
PLEASE NOTE - the actual start times will be decided on the day based on conditions. 
~ Looking up the estuary from the Wharf area ~
THE SWIMS
For the CLASSIC we recommend that swimmers are able to swim 1.5km confidently. There will be a very gentle flow on the end of the incoming tide which will turn and start to ebb around about when you turn. Expect to take between 25-40 minutes to complete the swim.
For the BEAT THE TIDE we recommend that swimmers are able to swim 4km confidently. You will start before the Classic thus catching a bit more flow of the incoming tide... but you are going much further than them! The tide will start to ebb at "the castle" hopefully just when you reach it. But do be prepared for some swimming against the tide as the timing won't suit all swimmers. For the ESCAPE TO ABERDOVEY we recommend that swimmers can swim 4km confidently. Although it's the longest distance it is the more straight forward in terms of tide. You will "jump ship" at High Tide and start your swim just as the ebb starts. The flow will be insignificant for the first 2km, you will start to notice some flow around Trefri ("the castle"). It will build past Picnic Island, Penhelig Corner and by the time you get to the Jetty there'll be no doubt that the tide is well and truly going out! For the TAFOL TUMBLE you need to be able to swim 3km in an hour or less, and maintain this pace for 2+ hours. Be prepared for a challenging, engaging and tumbling swim! The middle third of the swim is likely to be the hardest. There will be water and jelly babies provided at the half way point - Abertafol Beach (you will need to get out of the water to reach them). 
~ Gareth wins the inaugural Escape to Aberdovey ~
POST SWIM
Once all swims have finished there will be a presentation for the top 3 in each swim (prizes provided by HEAD Swimming) + first skins swimmer (male & female) from each swim will receive a free entry to The COOL MILE taking place 7th October 2018.
AFTER PARTY!
We have a reserved area in The Brittania Inn which is serving a discounted main course for swimmers from 18:30 (something like curry or chilli), followed by live music at 9pm performed by local band, formerly known as "Pretty Things".
COACHING
Get in touch if you would like coaching in any aspect of open water swimming, be it confidence building, tips for sighting, technique in rough water, choice of wetsuit or tidal planning.
~ It's that way ~
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REGISTRATION - SATURDAY SWIMS
Registration will take place from 08:30 until 10:00 on Saturday 29th September 2018 at Dovey Yacht Club which is the event headquarters for the swims. This is located next to the RNLI building, facing the Jetty, the postcode is LL35 0EB. There is a big car park just passed the RNLI building. Hopefully the registration desks will be outside (weather permitting!). All Saturday swimmers will need to attend the race briefing at 10:15 in Dovey Yacht Club.
REGISTRATION - SUNDAY The DOVEY 13km
Registration will take place from 08:00 until 08:45 on Sunday 30th September 2018 at Canolfan Pennal, which is the event headquarters for the The DOVEY 13km. This is located in the village of Pennal. There is parking outside registration and in the village on the many quiet roads, please park considerately. The private coach to Aberdovey (the start) leaves at 9am from outside registration. Further info for The Dovey 13km here.
THE ESTUARY
If strong winds occur they can create significant waves and chop so come mentally prepared. The water temperature will be around 14-15 Celsius. Getting out in regularly in open water is the best way to prepare for this. It's also a good idea to practise swimming in some rough water just in case the wind picks up. If you need help with this get in touch.
~ The Outward Bound Cutter catching an Easterly Wind ~
SUITS & SKINS
Wetsuit and "Skin" swimmers are welcomed. Skin swimmers do need to apply to swim in skins. In granting permission to swim in skins, we are looking for evidence of a similar amount of time swimming in similar temperature of water (15 degrees or lower).
CHALLENGE BY CHOICE
By entering an Aberdovey Swim event you agree that you know of no reason, medical or otherwise, why you shouldn't be able to safely finish the event. Although we have organised full safety cover and procedures for the event you are fully aware that you will be in an outdoor environment that is dynamic, you also agree that you enter the event at your own risk.
If you would like any advice or re-assurances on which event is right for you then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mike Alexander via info@aberdoveyswim.co.uk or 07725416134. EVENT PARTNERS
Pleased to have HEAD Swimming on board as our main event sponsors. They will be providing prizes for the top 3 finishers in each of the three swims. Local company WILD TRAIL will also be providing healthy snacks, yum-yum!
~ James shows off his HEAD Diamond goggles ~
REFUNDS
Please note that in the unlikely event that any swim is cancelled due to extreme conditions which include very high winds or dense fog impeding the view of the swimmers by the safety cover, or unexpected pollution in the water, we will endeavour to arrange an alternative swim, or transfer your entry to the following year, and donate any remaining funds to the work of The Outward Bound Trust, Aberdovey.
If for any reason you have entered but you cannot make the swim please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to arrange a transfer to a friend, a refund, or transfer to the following year.
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Getting To Aberdovey
~ Artwork by nickcoldham.co.uk ~
BY ROAD
Aberdovey is situated on the coast at the south end of Snowdonia National Park, between Barmouth and Aberystwyth. It is about 2 hours drive from Chester and 90 mins from Shrewsbury. LL35 0ED for your sat nav, if that's how you roll.
Aberdovey is situated on the coast at the south end of Snowdonia National Park, between Barmouth and Aberystwyth. It is about 2 hours drive from Chester and 90 mins from Shrewsbury. LL35 0ED for your sat nav, if that's how you roll.
BY TRAIN
Aberdovey is on the Cambrian Coast line, described by The Guardian as one of the most epic train journeys in the world. The village is serviced by two stations - Aberdovey and request stop Penhelig. Coming from the west you will pass the old market town of Machynlleth, once the administrative capital of Wales! For sightseers the most picturesque section is Machynlleth to Pwllheli. Further details at arrivatrainswales.co.uk or thetrainline.com.
Aberdovey is on the Cambrian Coast line, described by The Guardian as one of the most epic train journeys in the world. The village is serviced by two stations - Aberdovey and request stop Penhelig. Coming from the west you will pass the old market town of Machynlleth, once the administrative capital of Wales! For sightseers the most picturesque section is Machynlleth to Pwllheli. Further details at arrivatrainswales.co.uk or thetrainline.com.
Accommodation
You are coming to visit a beautiful part of the UK and there are plenty of options to make your stay here a memorable one. The Treffedian Hotel, The Penhelig Hotel, The Britannia Inn and The Dovey Inn offer a range of Hotel accommodation within walking distance to the event.
Alternative accommodation:
Further information about Aberdovey/Aberdyfi here aberdovey.org.uk
Alternative accommodation:
- Smuggler's Cove (5km away)
- Nyth Robin Campsite (5km away)
- Riverside Hotel (10km away)
- Corris Bunkhouses (20km away)
Further information about Aberdovey/Aberdyfi here aberdovey.org.uk
EVENT SUPPORT
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Formed in Aberdovey in 1941 as a Sea School, The Outward Bound Trust sits alongside the Dovey estuary. The estuary has played a great part in many water-based adventures for young people form all walks of life. The Outward Bound Trust continues to give inspirational opportunities for young people to develop through experiencing real adventure & challenge in the wild. In addition to working with the traditional school & educational groups Outward Bound also offers Corporate Development for apprentice and graduate schemes.
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