Thinking of taking the plunge and signing up for an open water swimming event? Here are six reasons to choose the Gaelforce Great River Swim as your first event.
1. The route: This is a really lovely route along the mighty Shannon, just north of Lanesborough village, Co Longford, where the river meets Lough Ree. It’s a downstream route, so you’ll be helped along by the current. For your first open water swimming race, we recommend the 800m distance. You’ll also need to have some experience swimming in colder, open water temperatures.
2. The camaraderie & craic: All Gaelforce events are as much about getting out there into the great outdoors and enjoying the experience together, as about competing. This means that the atmosphere is relaxed and the camaraderie is always a big help for your first race. It’s a great event to do with friends, family or your swim club or just bring them along to cheer you on! If you need any more convincing, take a look at our Gaelforce Great River Swim gallery.
3. The organisers: Our professional team has been organising open water swimming events for more than 10 years. The safety of our competitors is paramount - all competitors must wear a tow float, we have expert safety teams on the water who will be with you all the way and we have a medical team at the start/finish line area. We’re competitors ourselves and put all our knowledge, experience and love of competing into our own events!
4. The support: There are usually lots of first timers taking part in this event. The feeling that you are all in this together is very encouraging and there will be lots of support on the day. Download your Great Swim Trilogy Training Plan from our Advice Hub to get you started, follow us on Instagram & Facebook for lots of great tips, info & inspo, and you can email us with any queries or for advice on your preparations.
5. The achievement: Do something amazing for yourself - maybe you’re raising some money for a cause close to your heart, maybe it’s a marker in your journey to fitness, or feeling good again after illness or setbacks, maybe it’s just for the pure joy of crossing the finish line in the clear pure water, whatever it is, it’s an amazing feeling!
6. The challenge: Signing up for your first event is a great motivator! As part of the Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy, the Great River Swim is the first of a series of 3 races to aim for in the calendar year. You can swim 1, 2 or all 3, building your training, strength, endurance and experience over the year. So set yourself the challenge, give yourself that push and sign up today!
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