The Henley Classic swim has several category options to choose from. Each swimmer is only able to win the category they are entered into. i.e. a junior entrant is only eligible to win the junior category, regardless of whether they have achieved a faster time than the winner of the open category.

All categories are wetsuit optional (except traditional) e.g. if you want to swim any category without a wetsuit, you may do this. You may be at a performance disadvantage, however, as many of your opposition are likely to be wearing wetsuits.

Open – Men & Women – wetsuits optional

Traditional – Men & Women – (non wetsuit). Standard swimming costumes – trunks (not jammers) for men, and costumes for women. The leg on all trunks and costumes must not go below the line of the crutch. (See here for Traditional Category Rules).

Junior – Men & Women aged 14-17 (on the day of the race) – wetsuits optional

Masters 45-54 and 55+ – Men & Women (age on the day of the race) – wetsuits optional

Sporting – A single (non-competitive) category for both Men & Women – wetsuits optional. Ideal if you are not intending to race, or if you wish to swim with a friend who would ordinarily be in a different category.

Performance Wave – All waves are timed, however the Performance Wave is for serious swimmers who want to race and consists of a mixture of all categories (except Elites and Sporting). Choose your category first and then tick the Performance Wave box during the registration process. In this wave, men and women start together. Only opt-in, If you expect to finish the race in 34 minutes or less.

Teams – There is one team competition. A team can be made up of any combination of male or female swimmers – Junior, Masters, Traditional, Open (but not elite) and any number. The four fastest times will qualify for the competition.  Create or join a team during the entry process.