SWIM THE WORLD VANSBRO, SWEDEN


in Västerdalälven," explains Larsson. "It makes it a tough but attainable physical challenge, and also a rather spectacular natural experience.” Participants of the classic 3km swim travel along a course that takes them under the six bridges and through forested Scandinavian scenes. Being so far north, the temperatures in both rivers bob around the freezing mark until springtime. Even in mid-summer, when the races are held, the river isn’t exactly balmy, so most contenders wear wetsuits. Unusually for an open water event, many of the entrants swim breaststroke rather than front crawl. Enthusiastic participation, rather than elite performance, is the name of the game. The feeling is that it’s about enjoying the scenery and fi nishing in a decent time. “You can swim at your own pace and should be able to


fi nish in just over an hour with little effort, at least if you are reasonably fi t,” says Jonas Arnqvist, a Vansbrosimningen veteran, who fi rst swam the race in 2006. Arnqvist, who has now set up his own website (vansbrosim.nu) for those wanting to attempt the swim, gives an online training plan and a number of juicy tit-bits of advice. For example, “about half way you may start to catch up with the slow lane from the last start group – to avoid getting stuck behind them, make sure you plan ahead and keep to the left,” he writes, adding: “If you breathe alternately left and right, you can sight and get better control of your surroundings.” Micke Thorén also has advice for others. “Always wear a


wetsuit – it makes you go faster,” he offers. “At the start it’s very crowded. For the fi rst 2km you should be in the middle of the river to benefi t from the current, and the last km close to the land. If you have that tactic you will earn a lot of time.” For those who fancy having a go themselves, the travel here will doubtless be more difficult than the race itself, but certainly not impossible. A number of airlines, including British, Norwegian, British Midland and easyJet fly from the UK to Sweden, and Vansbro is a 4.5hr car ride or 3hr train trip from Stockholm. Accommodation is at a premium during the swimming festival so should be booked as far in advance as possible. Reserve your place in the race by contacting the organisers (info@vansbrosimningen.se), and be a part of the history of northern European swimming in a glorious setting. ∆


FIVE MORE… EUROPEAN SUMMER SWIMS Always wanted to visit an international event, but not sure which to go for? Try one of these...


TRAVERSÉE DU LAC D’ANNECY


Where: Lake Annecy in France Next event: Monday 15 August 2011 The tropics may have more exotic settings but swims don’t come much prettier than this. Dive into this clear blue Alpine lake, part of a waterlogged landscape known as ‘The Venice of France’, and you’ll have one of the most memorable swims of your life. Distance: 1km/ 2.4km See: dauphins-annecy.com


DESCENSO A NADO DE LA RIA DE NAVIA


(NAVIA’S DOWNSTREAM SWIM) Where: Navia, Spain Next event: August 2011 Started in 1958 in Navia, north-western Spain, with just 14 swimmers, the ‘Descenso’ is now a fi rm favourite with the international crowd. Entrants swim downstream aided by the current, for a manageable challenge in picturesque settings. Distance: 1.1km (under 12 years old)/ 1.7km (13-15 years old)/ 3km (women)/ 5km (men) See: rianavia.com


SANDYCOVE ISLAND CHALLENGE RACE


Where: Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland Next: 24 September 2011 Under the shadow of the craggy Old Head of Kinsale headland shelters Sandycove Island, on the dramatic west coast of Ireland. Races for both ‘suits’ and ‘skins’ swimmers take place in the clear waters, before a traditional Irish after-party in Kinsale. Great craic. Distance: 2km or so, depending on how close to the island you swim See: bit.ly/fFjfcs


PINGVALLASUND SWIM


Where: Pingvallasund Lake National Park, Iceland Next event: July 2011 You’ll have to be at least half mad to try this one but some are excited by the thought of a 5km swim in full sunlight in the dead of night in 11˚C temperatures. Starts at midnight, no wetsuits allowed. Like we said – you’ll have to be fairly bonkers. Distance: 5km See: thingvallasund.com


LEKTOCHT Making a splash in Vansbro 40


Where: Beusichem and fi nish in Culemborg, Netherlands Next event: 10 July 2011 With several current-assisted races along the Rhine, or the Lek as the Dutch would have it, the Lektocht follows a winding course. Swim your heart out and then reward yourself with a traditional pancake or two on the water's edge. Delicious. Distance: 2km/6km/2.5km breaststroke See: zc90.nl/lektocht


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