This page contains all the information there is to know about the WSR Swim. Of course, now we’ve gone and said that, we’ve invariably missed something off! So if you have any questions, please don’t hesistate to Contact Us.
So what is this all about then?
The WSR Swim is an event held by the Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta, organised and run by the dedicated WSR Swim Team. With the rising popularity of Open Water Swimming, we thought it presented an ideal opportunity to introduce this new dimension to the yearly Regatta. We ran a ‘pilot’ event in 2011 for approximately 25 swimmers, followed up with a larger event in 2012. Feedback was always very good, and we’ve taken as many of your comments on board as possible to make this year’s swim even better.
What is it for?
WSR is a registered Charity, and all the proceeds of the Swim will go directly towards the regatta to pay for maintenance of the boats and running costs. The WSR Swim Team are all volunteers, no profit is made or taken from your entry fee.
When is it held?
The Swim is held on the morning of the Saturday of the Regatta and starts from 06.30. Swim registration starts at 05.45.
What is the course?
The 1km and the 2km races are now accompanied by a “Go With The Flow” event that allows people to get into the river at the General Start and go downstream to the Finish.
For those that haven’t been in the river for a while, or who want to try it, this will be a great way to join in.
How do I get there?
The WSR Swim is run on the regatta course. All swim entrants are asked to meet in the WSR enclosure from 5.45am when registration opens.
If you are travelling by car, the easiest way is to park in the Regatta car park, off Mill Lane in Shiplake (Map). Free parking is included as part of your entry fee for the swim, and will be signposted on arrival.
Alternatively, there will also be a ferry available that runs from the St. George & Dragon Pub in Wargrave (Map) . There is NO parking at the St. George & Dragon.
Want to enter?
A link to the entry platform will be posted on this site and please sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know.
How much does it cost?
The cost of entry is £25 for the 1km and 2km, and only £10 for the 400m event.
Early bird entry is discounted to £15 for the 1km and 2km events.
And what does that get me?
Amongst other things your entry fee buys you:
– entry to the event itself (obviously!)
– car parking Shiplake side, or ferry transport Wargrave side
– refreshments of bacon/sausage rolls (or vegetarian option) and cups of tea or coffee on completion of the swim
– entry to the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta on Saturday (see below)
– a goody bag
Do I need my own wetsuit?
Ordinarily the answer is no for adults, although there are some circumstances (when the river drops below a certain temperature) that we are mandated for Health & Safety / Insurance reasons to require competitors to wear wetsuits, and the majority of swimmers wear them anyway.
U16 competitors are required to wear wetsuits
Do I need to bring a swim hat?
We do have many swim hats for the swimmers – but as far a possible, we invite swimmers to bring their own hats – as we are looking to reduce the use of plastics or single use materials as much as possible. We hope that you understand and support us with this!
What are the safety procedures in place for the swimmers?
We take the safety of our swimmers incredibly seriously. Not only do we hold a mandatory safety briefing before anyone gets into the river, but: we also have trained paramedics on-site in case of any emergency; we have canoeists leading each event and stationed along the course should anyone need assistance: we have ladders along the course should anyone need to get out; and we have spotters along the course to check that everyone is OK.
We have never had an incident yet… and we will continue to work very hard to ensure that that continues.
I’m pretty sure I’m going to win this. What do I get?
There will be a short prize giving ceremony after the swim to reward the winners of the different events.
What happens afterwards and for the rest of the day?
The second day of the Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta will take place, starting at about 8:30am.
Many of you will already be keen WSR attendees, but if not we would love you to stick around and find out what it’s all about.
As part of your entry fee, you will be given a complimentary enclosure pass for WSR, which will enable you to stay throughout the day at the Regatta.
Can I bring my family or friends?
Spectators are encouraged and can attend the WSR Swim free of charge. If they wish to stay for the Regatta proper, they will need to purchase tickets which will be available on the morning of the Swim.
I’d like to help. What can I do?
The Swim is always looking for Supporters or Sponsors, who are willing to donate either monetarily or with prizes or anything else that might be helpful (eg goody bag contents). Please email us at sponsor@wsrswim.org.uk to discuss.