The double river challenge

Jean Craven, Francois Du Toit, Owen Sheftz. Andrew Ford

Swimmers taking part

Description

Details

A two day River Swim – traversing the Bushmans and Kariega Rivers in the Eastern Cape. Swim 2 rivers on 1 weekend at beautiful Kenton on Sea!

Here are the updated details after the team recce last weekend – it’s going to be epic!

Bushmans River Swim Sat 7 Dec 2019:

Maximum possible swim distance is 26km with a shorter 14km option.
Upriver swim with incoming tidal current starting at slipway near the river mouth at Kenton on Sea at 08:10 and finishing at Hunters Lodge jetty (26km).
Shorter 14km leg will finish at Poor Mans Game Drive road bridge across the river.
First 3km of swim will be along natural channels until the river becomes wider.
Low tide at 07:10 and high tide at 13:10 allowing for 6 hrs swimming time before tide turns therefore need to complete 4.3km per hour which should be possible with the tidal current assistance.
Sunset will be at 19:14.
Swim route has no hazards or obstacles and water is clean.

Kariega River Swim Sun 8 Dec 2019:

Maximum possible swim distance is 15km with a shorter 6km option.
Upriver swim with incoming tidal current starting at slipway near the river mouth at Kenton on Sea at 08:50 and finishing at Poor Mans Game Drive road bridge across the river (15km).
Low tide at 07:50 and high tide at 13:50 allowing 6 hrs swimming time before tide turns therefore need to complete 2.5km per hour which should be no problem with the tidal current assistance.
Sunset will be at 19:13.
Swim route has no hazards or obstacles and water is clean.
Swimmers can choose to swim the planned long or short legs on both days, or ANY distance that they feel comfortable swimming.
Swimmers will be supported by boats and paddlers on canoes.
There are no Channel Rules so swimmers can rest in boats/on canoes when they want/need to.
Wetsuits and fins are allowed.
Swimmers will be transported back to Kenton on Sea by road from the finishing points on both rivers.
Both rivers are clean with no obstacles or hazards.
Photographer will cover event and make photos/video clips available to swimmers.
Swim meet & greet and safety brief at local restaurant on Fri 6 Dec at 18:00 followed by dinner and social.
Dinners will be provided on Fri and Sun evening at local restaurants.
Swimmers responsible for own drinks and all other meals, including meals and drinks on the rivers during the swims.
Swimmers also responsible for own travel and accommodation arrangements – sufficient accommodation ranging from budget to luxury is available in Kenton on Sea.
There are daily flights to Port Elizabeth (closest airport) and distance from airport to Kenton on Sea by road is 134km via N2 and R72 – travelling time 1hr 30min.
Swimmers will receive Madswimmer promotional gear.
Swimmers will be required to raise funds for selected charities (to be confirmed) through the “Back-a-Buddy” internet platform to reach a target (to be confirmed).
An information guide including packing list of items needed will be provided at a later stage to swimmers who have entered.
Entry fee is R3500 per swimmer that covers the aforementioned safety and logistical costs.

Lastly there are no winners or losers in Madswimmer events and it is not for extreme swimmers only – all swimmers are welcome! It is about challenging yourself with a personal swimming distance and being part of a swimming adventure for a great cause!

Come join the Madswimmer family!

Contact Francois at francois.dutoit@madswimmer.com for any further enquiries