…a gala of cold water swimming
If you fancy a festive challenge, a bit of friendly competition and a good excuse to soak in a wood-fired hot tub, drink mulled wine and eat mince-pies then this is the event for you. Booking is via the EventBrite web site.
The Portishead Popsicle is a cold water swimming gala where the emphasis is on putting the fun in fundraising. All profits from the event will help to support this community run facility, and we actively welcome swimmers who want to take on this challenge to raise funds for causes close to their own hearts.
They are offering the following events to swimmers over the age of 14:
120m relay
4 swimmers each swimming one length of the pool. Teams must be mixed gender. There is a wetsuit category, and a non-wetsuit category. Teams where some swimmers wear wetsuits, and some don’t, will be entered into the wetsuit category. Teams seeking sponsorship to fundraise for charities or organisations close to their hearts are very welcome, and we’ll ensure your charity gets a mention. Extra points will be awarded for teams swimming in imaginative head-gear. And yes, I have shamelessly stolen that idea from South London Swimming Club at Tooting Bec Lido; their hat races are amazing.
100m event (3 lengths)
Freestyle; results will be posted for male, female, wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers, but you are welcome to swim just for fun too
300m event (9 lengths)
Freestyle; results will be posted for male, female, wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers, but you are welcome to swim just for fun too
Qualifiying distance swimmers
We can offer an opportunity for anybody needing to do a qualifying swim for a cold water event after Christmas (such as the Big Chillswim) to complete their qualifier. Ticket price will include a lap-counter, who will sign off your qualifier form. You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the requirements of your qualifier in terms of kit and equipment. In the unlikely event that the temperature does not fall to meet requirements you will be welcome to swim your distance anyway. It’s all good training! This event is also perfect for swimmers building up thier time / distance in cold water as the swimmer sets the distance they want to achieve on the day. If you want to swim more than 1000m please email to discuss.
There will be a hot tub available for a warming soak afterwards, mulled wine and other hot drinks available and a variety of hot and cold snacks. Spectators are very welcome, free of charge, and they’ll have a great view of your swim from our terraces.
There will also be a lane available for spur of the moment dippers and swimmers, who can simply arrive and pay on the day. These swimmers should note, however, that swimmers who have paid and entered in advance will be prioritised for use of the hot-tub.
ENTRY SALES CLOSE ON 12TH DECEMBER.
REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN FROM 0830 TO 1030 ON THE DAY, PLEASE ARRIVE IN PLENTY OF TIME FOR YOUR SWIM – A SCHEDULE OF RACES, START TIMES AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE START PROCEDURE WILL BE PUBLISHED NEARER THE TIME AT www.portisheadopenairpool.org.uk