With pools closed over lockdown, thousands of previously pool bound swimmers found themselves turning to lakes and rivers to keep themselves moving. With a new open water season looming in the UK, one of the country’s most picturesque open water series has opened for entries and at the same time announced a new title sponsor
Epic Events and Chillswim, the teams behind the series which takes place in the iconic British Lake District each summer, have chosen to align themselves with Aquasphere, one of the most recognized authorities in swimming goggles and equipment. A new three year agreement will see the firm become the title sponsor of the entire swim series, so with immediate effect four events become known as Aquasphere Epic Lakes Swims and two longer distance experiences become the Aquasphere Chillswim Series.
With many swim distances to choose from, and shorter distances open to age 11 upwards, these events embody Aquasphere’s ambition to encourage and enable as many people as possible to participate, challenge and enjoy open water swimming in a safely managed and professionally run way. Whether people are experienced long distance swimmers or total novices dipping their toe into open water for the first time, these thoroughly enjoyable and welcoming events offer a distance for all abilities and are open to all depending on age and competence.
Swimmers can choose distances of 500m, 1 mile, 3.8k or 5k set against the breath-taking backgrounds of lakes Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston or Windermere, or for those wanting a longer ‘bucket list’ challenge, the Chillswim series provides the option of a 7 mile end-to-end swim of Ullswater or a 5.25 mile end-to-end swim of Coniston Water.
With the emphasis on exhilaration and fun, many of the events also benefit from dry land activities for all the family, creating a warm and sociable village fete atmosphere enjoyed by swimmers and non-swimmers alike, all set against some of the most stunning and unforgettable scenery in Great Britain.
“For those of us who love open water swimming, the iconic Lake District is right up there for its stunning location and evocative history ” says Nick Holmes of Aquasphere. “We are delighted to join forces and support these wonderful swims which are a true celebration of the amazing feeling and experience to be gained from swimming outdoors.”
“We’re thrilled to obtain the encouragement and support of such a highly regarded and authentic swim brand as Aquasphere. The company’s ground breaking goggles have long been essential kit for many pool and open water swimmers and are trusted by many leading long distance swimmers across large expanses of open water” adds Joanne Mcwilliams of Epic Events and Chillswim. “The brand’s experience in providing sound kit advice as well as technically excellent product helps to make open water swimming more accessible for all levels of swimmer and this perfectly fits with our own ethos to encourage more people to take the plunge. We are very excited to partner with such a great team.”
Entries are now open for all the swims which start in June and run through to September. Entry information and pricing, venue and kit recommendations can be found at Epic Events
Swimmers wanting to enhance their swim experience by investing in proven curved lens technology goggles or masks which are ideal for open water, or for those looking to buy a wetsuit, pool training goggles or other swim kit, are recommended to visit Aquasphere