Traditional
pursuits in August in UK
Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The idea for bog snorkelling was probably hatched in a pub and was first played in 1976 in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales. It gained popularity, leading to the first world championships nine years later. Bog Snorkelling Championships attract hundreds of participants from around the world, from as far afield as China, Australia and South Africa.
The rules are simple. Competitors must complete two 60 yard (55 m) lengths of a specially dug trench of water and peat, wearing snorkel, mask and flippers. They must not use conventional swimming strokes but must rely on flipper power. Faces must be kept in the water, apart from occasional swift glances to make sure of the direction of travel. If the first length is completed in a greater time than two minutes, the competitor is disqualified from continuing with the second length. The winner is the one who completes the course in the shortest time.
There are classes for men, women and juniors and prizes in each of these categories. There is also a prize for the best costume, as many participants like to put on fancy dress. The prizes include a trophy and a bottle of champagne for the fastest snorkellers or a medal and certificate for the winners of different age categories, To take part in this contest costs £20 for seniors (those over 18) and £12 for juniors. It is possible to turn up on the day and enter the competition. The money raised goes to Green Events, a company that organises events to raise the profile of Llanwrtyd Wells and raise funds for local charities.
This year, this unusual championship takes place on 27th August, the last Bank holiday of the summer. There is also a Bog Triathlon on the day before. For this, contestants must complete an 8-mile run, a 12-mile mountain bike ride and a 60 yard bog snorkel. Last year, conditions were stiflingly hot. This year promises to be rather cooler.
Bog snorkelling? That's definitely something I've never heard of before.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised when I came across it . . . surprised, but not tempted.
Deletefancy growing up with a burning desire to bog snorkel above all else. Simple goals rule!
ReplyDeleteIt's the world championship bit that gets me.
DeleteDefinitely not my thing at all. Urgh!!! Thank goodness we're not all the same, eh? xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's fun to watch, if a bit smelly! x x x
DeleteThe thoughts of 'only in the UK' comes to mind, but sadly something I will never try.
ReplyDeleteIt's popular in Sweden, I understand!
DeleteHaha - we had to look up bog-snorkeling recently for some throw away comment that Tigger wanted to make. We had heard of it but didn't know the details - now twice in a short time. A good fun fund raiser I guess. (And I'd expect stuff like that to also be popular with a certain kind of Kiwis - so not 'only in UK'.)
ReplyDeleteI think it would appeal to a lot of 'outdoorsy' types who want something different to potholing or urban climbing.
DeleteHmmm... not sure I am tempted.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not!
DeleteI would absolutely HATE to do that! I don't like getting dirty...
ReplyDeleteIt's cold, too, and probably very smelly.
DeleteNobby would absolutely love to enter a bog-snorkelling contest, and would, I think, have an excellent chance of carrying off first prize. In fact, he had a little practice today in a very muddy ditch when I took him to the local woods this afternoon...
ReplyDeleteCheers! Gail.
If there's a puddle in the vicinity dogs will find it and luxuriate in it.
DeleteCan't say I've heard of this before. Would hate to accidentally swallow that bog water.
ReplyDeleteI can't say my life has been enriched by the knowledge of it.
DeleteWhat does it say about me that the only thing I can think of is "GERMS!! NOOOOO!!" Certainly something a certain segment of the population would love to do, though. (Thinking of the show Fear Factor)
ReplyDeleteI think it says that you are eminently sensible.
DeleteHow kind of you - I thought it said that I have no sense of adventure!
DeleteDon't be so hard on yourself :-)
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