This year we have taken the decision to split The Big Swim into two groups, a Serious Swim and a Not So Serious Swim – the decision is yours! The same course of one mile will be used by all swimmers in both races.

We are limiting places to 150 in each swim.  Each ticket costs £15 and we hope that you might aim to raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship.  You must be 13 or over. If you are local to Port Isaac and Port Gaverne we are asking that you try to raise a minimum of £50 (as we appreciate that you will be asking all the same people to sponsor you).  If you raise £100 or more (or in the case of locals £75 or more) you will get a free ticket/beer tokens to the Big Party in the evening.

We ask that sponsor forms and money raised be collected and given to the registration team on the day of the race. Any cheques made payable to ‘The Big Swim’. We are not taking any entries on the day of the swim.

We plan and organise the swim with the highest standards of safety to enable competitors to enjoy this fantastic swim whilst raising money for good causes.

Markers will line the course, safety boats and lifeboats will be in close reach for anyone who may need to be taken out of the water. Medical assistance is on standby at all times.

We ask that every swimmer be able to swim 1 mile and have a reasonable level of fitness.  If anyone has any special requirements or medical conditions it must be declared in full confidence with Sarah Coates before registration into the race.

You are required to arrive for registration at Port Gaverne Beach between 9.30 and 11.30am where our team of staff will welcome you.

Parking is available in a farmers field a three minute walk from the beach itself. The car park is clearly marked from all roads that lead into Port Gaverne.

The Serious Swim race will start at 14.15 prompt and the Not So Serious Swim will start at 14.30.  It is essential that every swimmer has been given a number, safety visibility hat, an electric timing tag and sign a registration form before the briefing.

A safety briefing will take place at 13.45 by our safety team. Please make sure you leave yourself enough time to park, walk to beach and complete your registration form before 11.30am.

Each swimmer must attend registration in person otherwise they will not be able to swim. Registration CLOSES at 11.30am

Wet suits are not essential but we encourage you to wear one. This helps with buoyancy and warmth. You can rent one from many of the surf shops in the major surf resorts nearby.

A bag will be given to you on arrival that will be marked with your race number. Your dry clothes and belongings can be placed into this bag and a cloakroom vehicle will take them to Port Isaac Beach. You will be able to pick them up straight after you finish the race.

The finish line will be clearly marked at the beach in Port Isaac. Swimmers must exit the water and run between the flags where their time will be registered. You must cross the finish line to complete the race. You will be asked by one of our time keepers to shout out your number as you cross the line. This will be marked on your hat. For those a little out of breath time keepers will simply ask to see your swimming hat. You can rest immediately on the beach and catch your breath and watch the remainder swimmers come in. However we advise you take advantage of the snack and hot drink or water given to all competitors and keep yourselves warm by collecting your belongings from the cloakroom.

Encouragement from the spectators along the sea wall, cheering family and friends and hopefully good weather will all add to this experience. The day doesn’t end there, we hope you will relax and enjoy the days activities in Port Isaac.

Camping is available at The Cornish Tipi Village, locally where you can hire a tipi or wild camp.

To avoid disappointment, book your place now.

ITINERARY

09.30 – 11.30 Registration at Port Gaverne beach

13.00 Change into your wetsuit or swimming costume and hand over cloakroom bag so that your clothes can be driven around to Port Isaac beach for when you exit the water

13.30 Warm up with Angela

13.45 Safety Brief

14.15 The Serious Swim starts

14.30 The Not So Serious Swim starts

17.00 Award Ceremony