Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim

Sunday 14 July 2013

The proudest day of my life...still on a high from the Swim at Bournemouth....If you're thinking about entering, just do it.

The biggest charity swim in Europe heads back to Bournemouth in 2013. Join hundreds of other supporters as you brave the English Channel in this incredible 1.4 mile open water swim.

Starting from Bournemouth Pier you will put your front stroke to the test in this challenging sea swim along the coastline to Boscombe Pier.

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Registration | Location and transport | Event times | Fundraising | Training | Equipment | Spectators

Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim event information

UPDATE: Due to the First Wave swim selling out in record time, and places on the event still being in demand we are thrilled to announce a Second Wave swim, taking place at 10am and offering 1000 extra places.

This popular swim starts at Bournemouth Pier and follows the southern coastline towards Boscombe Pier. The event is suitable for all abilities - from complete novices to seasoned swimmers. Places are strictly limited so make sure you don't miss out on this memorable event.

Registration and fees

The First Wave swim has now reached full capacity. Register for the Second Wave starting at 10am, register today to avoid disappointment.

Your entry fee covers the cost of running the event; it’s your sponsorship money that will help save lives.  

Take part as a team

Online registration - Each team member can register and pay individually online using the links above, making sure to record the Team name and Team leader's name where requested.

Pay for your whole team - Online registration is quick and easy, but if you'd like to register and pay collectively, you can use this registration form (pdf).

Check out our team registration and fundraising top tips

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Your Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim entry includes

• A medal for all finishers
• Full water safety cover and first aid support
• Luggage transport from start to finish locations  -remember to attach the luggage label provided
• Swim Hat and wristband to wear in the water
• Water and a hot drink once you've completed the swim
• Extensive training guidance
• Fundraising support
• A welcome pack containing your sponsorship form which will be sent to you before the event
• Thank you certificate

Fundraising

Fundraising funds research that saves lives. In 1961 the number of children born with a heart defect who survived to their first birthday was around only 20 per cent. Today that figure is 80 per cent, thanks to procedures such as valve replacement that help them lead improved lives.

For all our success, there's a lot still to be done. Heart disease is still the UK's single biggest killer. Surgery techniques can still be improved. And there are exciting developments in genetics and stem cell technology.

Your entry fee covers the cost of organising the event; so join the fight for every heartbeat by raising funds. Your fundraising will help us continue funding research to ensure hearts keep beating.

Set up your online sponsorship page

Where your money goes

Visit our fundraising section for some great tips

Location and transport

Start location:  Bournemouth Beach, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA

Finish location: Boscombe Pier, Boscombe, Bournemouth

The event takes place very near Bournemouth Town Centre and there are plenty of pay and display car parks nearby, follow signs as you approach the town and remember to bring some change with you.

On the day

There are toilets available at both the start and finish locations and public changing rooms are available at Bournemouth Pier. There will be a luggage transport service to take your personal belongings to finish point.

Refreshments can be purchased from the many cafes at Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and all participants will get a free hot drink once they've finished the swim.

Event Times

Please make sure you follow the times, for the swim you are booked onto. First Wave Swimmers will be issued RED HATS, and Second Wave swimmers will be issued YELLOW HATS.

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Equipment and what to wear

It is important that you wear the swim hat and wristband that we send to you for safety reasons. We also do recommend a wetsuit, although this is not compulsory.

Check out our recommended swim kit list.

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Training

Swimmers of all abilities are welcome at the Bournemouth Pier to Pier swim, however we strongly recommend training for this event, particularly if you are not familar with sea swimming as it is quite different from swimming in the local pool.

Team GB swimmer Keri-Anne Payne, who supports the swim, shares her top training tips:

• Find a training buddy. Swimming is so much more enjoyable with training buddies. When I go training there are 22 of us.  I love being there with them; it makes me want to train harder!
• Eating properly before and after training will help you to recover quicker and get your body ready to train and race.  I would always eat two slices of toast before my morning session and a banana after the session
• If you are using a wetsuit make sure you have a 'trial' run in it, even if it’s at your local pool. The wetsuit can restrict your shoulder movement and will feel really strange but if you go into your race knowing what it will feel like, you're a step ahead!
• If you are a beginner and this is your first swim, stick to the back or the sides of the racing pack.  If you are an experienced swimmer, then get stuck in at the front and give it your best shot!
• On race day if the water is cold, I would urge you to fully submerge yourself before the race so that your body can adapt to the new temperature.  If you can get in the water (not for very long) as close to your race as possible, when you get back in, it will feel warm!

For more expert tips, training schedules and advice, visit the training zone. Remember the golden rules of exercise: start gently, build up gradually and do it regularly. Make sure you set achievable goals, which help you to monitor your fitness and boost your confidence when you achieve them. Always wear appropriate gear, and if you have any medical condition or health concerns that may affect you on the day, speak to your doctor about it prior to the event.

Visit the training zone

Facilities

There are toilets available at both the start and finish locations and public changing rooms are available at Bournemouth Pier. There will be a luggage transport service to take your personal belongings to finish point.

 Refreshments can be purchased from the many cafes at Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and all participants will get a free hot drink once they've finished the swim.

Keeping you safe

Lifeguards will be present in the sea and along the shore at all times. Full first aid cover will be provided by St John's Ambulance.

Spectators, pets and volunteers

Your friends are family are very welcome to join in cheering at the finish line at Boscombe Pier. Ask them to look the part and rock up in red!

We're sorry - dogs are not welcome at this event.

If you'd like to volunteer at this event, check out the opportunities available and register your interest today.

Contact us

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