Swoosh 2019 Event Report

Highlights from the OSS' summer swim

Over 740 swimmers joined us on Saturday 6th July for the annual Bantham Swoosh, another incredible swim in exceptional conditions. The sunrise that greeted swimmers as they awoke from their tents at Bantham or arrived from far and wide set the tone for the day, a beautiful swim in a beautiful location. 

PERFECT CONDITIONS

The weather and water once again didn’t let us down this year, with perfect swimming conditions and a balmy 15.2 degrees in the water, wetsuit or no wetsuit, it was lovely. 

The first swimmers came in at just over an hour, with the first four swimming together in unison for the majority of the swim. As the tide dropped the swimmers swooshed their way to the finish beach, smiling and laughing as they were greeted by happy volunteers and cheering supporters. 

“I did the Swoosh for the first time, and absolutely loved it!  Everything was really well organised, everyone was super friendly and the site was clean & tidy.  The quality of the catering was impressive, and the whole thing had a really lovely, festival vibe.  I felt so safe during the swim, with all the safety team out in force. And the welcome party of the beach was just the best!”- Rachel Angell 

“I’ve had an amazing day!! Met loads of new people, completed my first swim event and I feel brilliant!!”- Claire Jenrick 

“I was sooooooo worried about coming along to this solo, thought i’d feel like such a lemon, but I made so many pals today and everyone was super lovely! What a gorgeous swim too i saw so many crabs! Thanks for the best day”- Mayley Hallinson 

“Totally Loved the OSS Swoosh, my 2nd time! Everything about this event is awesome: location, marshals, safety cover, enthusiastic volunteers, transfers to swim start, merchandise, event set up at the start & finish…. Perfect!”- Selene Corvin

MINI SWOOSH

The Mini Swoosh returned again this year with double the numbers of young swimmers enthusiastically jumping into the water ready to be swooshed! We had 76 mini swooshers enter the water from the Bantham Sailing Club and swim, float or splash their way to the finish line. It was amazing to see so many excited children of all ages enjoying the thrill of the open water. 

“Totally Epic Swim. My Mini Swoosher absolutely love it and has already asked if we can do it again next year. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a great event.”- Imogen Noons.

“This year all the more special sharing my love with my mini’s. Best quote on the way home “mummy, I wish there was a mini dart and a mini hurly burly” – Rebecca Roberts

THAT TRIUMPHANT FEELING

The feeling at the finish beach and in the finish village was that of pride, happiness and togetherness, it was clear to see that most didn’t want the day to ever end! The finish beach was packed with swimmers, families and beach goers enjoying the atmosphere while soaking up the sun, and the catering village became a central hub for post swim refuel, Sudocrem applying and story sharing. 

We’re already excited to see you in 2020!

Whilst all of us at the OSS had a great time and can’t wait to do it all over again, we do understand that some people may have some suggestions for future improvements. If you do have any feedback we would love to hear it, please complete this form.

THANK YOU

Our charity swimmers did an amazing job fundraising, with our Level Water swimmers collectively raising £100,000. This money will go towards providing disabled children with 1-1 swimming lessons in their local community. 

As massive thank you must go to all of those that made the Swoosh 2019 so amazing; swimmers, volunteers, Event Water Safety, our charity partners and supporters. Special thanks Alpkit, Clif Bar, Red Paddle Co, Clippper Teas, Swim Trek, Tideford Organics, Bantham Estate and Aveton Gifford Parish Council. 

Paige Pinder
Toms Majors