Bantham Boomerang

What a memorable day.

Early rise and meet to pack the car with tent etc and then 4 of us set off for Bantham in Devon. 3 of us had booked an endurance swim a long time ago and finally, the day arrived.

Emcoops drove a heavy fully packed car. We stopped off for lunch in Clevedon and then the journey was uneventful until we found ourselves on the narrow Devonshire roads where a Sainsbury’s delivery van and a camper van were literally leaning on each other at a passing point.

We arrived, eventually, we offloaded, parked and set up camp. We then went off to register for the swim; given ankle timers, wristbands and swim caps. EmCoops and I weren’t in wetsuits so we needed special permission to be ‘skin’ swimmers.

Back to the tent to top up with food and then headed back to the ‘swim village’ for a safety briefing … BUT … Natalie, the friend with us and an Enfield Mermaid, slipped & fell, needing paramedics, morphine and lifting. It was awful for her as the swim was not possible for her.

Leaving her (happy enough and a little bit giggly thanks to the drugs), with the non swimming little angel (EmCoops daughter) and under the watch of paramedics, Emcoops and I headed off for our swim; the Bantham Boomerang.

I’ll add some photos but it was awesome. We basically swam up the tidal river, with the tide, and then when the tide turned, we swam back again, with the tide!

We were well looked after by water safety teams as there were tactics involved but the cold salty water was clear enough to often see the bottom. The wind threw water at us so sometimes it was pretty gruelling but it was also a thrilling 5k swim made easier with the help of the tides.

After climbing out, we were rewarded by crowds of cheering volunteers, a gift towel and a cup of hot chocolate.

Back over the dunes to the tent to change, then back out to get some pizzas. We didn’t stay up long funnily enough.

I’ve loved the swim today. I’m a big fan.