8th Barbados Open Water Festival

Barbados Open Water Festival 

The 2020 Barbados Open Water Festival is scheduled for Nov 4-8.  

Over the life of the event the Festival has welcomed swimmers of all ages and abilities from more than thirty-five countries.  From recreational to elite, pool swimmers to channel swimmers, world champions and Olympians, from as far away as Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa and Singapore. Every year the swimmers arrive from different countries and all walks of life but all with a shared passion for open water swimming and heart-warming camaraderie ensues. Often swimmers arrive who have never swam in the sea or any body of open water before! In 2019 many returning regulars are expected from the UK, Canada, USA and Trinidad.

Hundreds take part in the “social swims and post-swim dinners” as well as the four races (1.5K, 3.3K, 5K and 10K races) and the Just for Fun 1.5K Swim during the five-day event every November.  The Fun Swim raises funds for Variety: The Children’s Charity.

Home Base for the Barbados Open Water Festival - Copa Cabana Beach Bar, Carlisle Bay

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On November 13, 2018, the final day of the 2018 Barbados Open Water Festival, Oceans Seven Swimmer  Cameron Bellamy of South Africa started his epic swim!  He created history.   96 K in an incredible 40 hours and 43 minutes. Read about the 4th longest unassisted, nonstop, sea swim ever.

BARBADOS to ST LUCIA. September 2019. Cameron Bellamy swam 151K in 56 hours and 55 minutes. One of the longest sea swims ever. READ MORE HERE
Why? Cameron Bellamy swims for a cause: Ubunye Challenge
He will also donate funds to local charities (Barbados & St Lucia).
Follow his crazy adventures - Face Book page and meet Cameron at our 2019 Festival.
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The Swimmers Say....

"It's a brilliant week. Who fancies 2019?" Mollie Pearse (UK)

"Loved your event!! We had such a blast swimming with the turtles each loop and enjoyed all of the sights in the gorgeous sea! Fabulous event ... Fabulous new friends ... Fabulous prizes ... Fabulous island!! Thank you for all your hard work to host such festive days of aquatic fun in the sea! Already looking forward to the next time that I can return to swim in your event again!" Susan, USA
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See other Swimmer Sentiments

See Agenda for 2019 Festival
Slogan Barbados Open Water Festival
Are you a Runner? Check out Run Barbados Marathon Weekend!  Run Barbados has been hosted annually since 1983.  Three days of Run Fun!