About this Event
Welcome to the Oban Winter Swim Championships!
Join us at the Oban North Pier Pontoons for an unforgettable day of cold water swimming , friendly competition and community spirit in the heart of Oban - Scotland's Adventure Coast. Proudly supported by DryRobe.
Whether you're a seasoned IWSA swimmer or a cold water enthusiast, this event is about challenge, camaraderie, and the joy of open water. Warm up afterwards in our wood-fired saunas and soak up the lively atmosphere on the pier.
Don't miss this chance to experience the thrill of Winter Swimming in one of Scotland's most iconic coastal locations. Whether you're racing, dipping or cheering from the sidelines it's set to be a truly memorable day in Oban. Grab your swimsuit, goggles, and towel, and dive into the excitement at the Scottish Winter Swim Championships!
The Scottish Winter Swim Championships are run under the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) rules and include:
- Short Individual Races
- Team Relays
- A non-competitive novice Open Water Taster Dip
Competitiors can enter a single or multiple races or take part in a Team Relay Event.
Please note:
- The water temperature will be COLD-Expect it to be between 7c -10c so participants must be acclimatised to cold water before competing and declare they are healthy and fit on registration.
SAFETY AND SUPPORT
Safety is our top priority. There will be full safety cover at the event and a dedicated First Aid Area on site.
EVENT RACES
All races will follow the IWSA Rules. There are two different stroke choices for competitors - Freestyle and Breaststroke. The races will take place between the North Pier Pontoons with distances of 25m and 100m across 5 lanes. Races are set for Freestyle or Breaststroke.
FREESTYLE
Use any stroke you prefer. Most swimmers choose front crawl but all strokes are allowed.
BREASTSTROKE
Any type of breaststroke is acceptable.
RELAY RACES
Mixed team relay (IWSA Rules) - Teams in the 4x50m freestyle relays consist of four competitors who each swim 50m (two lengths of the event lanes). Teams must be mixed (at least one man and one woman in the team) and can represent their country, town, club or form their own group. The person registering the team will be the team captain. Relay teams are invited to come up with a special team name.
This is an all-inclusive event. Please get in touch if you need additional information|support.
AGE GROUPS
Participants in all event races must be 16 years or over on the day of the competition.
ORDER OF EVENTS
Times may change slightly.
FRIDAY 12th DECEMBER 2025 - , , Oban
18:00 – 19:30 – Registration open for all competitors.
19:30- 20:00 – Safety briefing for all competitors. This is mandatory.
SATURDAY 13th DECEMBER 2025-
08:00 – Event site opens:
- Space available in the Columba Hotel for luggage and changing area. Lockers available in the North Pier Pontoon Office.
- Competitors can familiarise themselves with event times and event space.
RACE TIMINGS - Please note times may vary on the day.
09:00 - Race 1: 25m Breaststroke Female (F) (4 Heats)
09:08 - Race 2: 25m Breaststroke Male (M)(4 Heats)
09:20 - Race 3: 25m Freestyle Female (F)(4 Heats)
09:28 - Race 4: 25m Freestyle Male (M)(4 Heats)
09:40 - Race 5: 50m Breaststroke Female (F)(4 Heats)
09:56 - Race 6: 50m Breaststroke Male (M)(4 Heats)
10:15- Race 7: 50m Freestyle Female (F)(4 Heats)
10:31 - Race 8: 50m Freestyle Male (M)(4 Heats)
10:50 - Race 9: 100m Breaststroke Female (F)(4 Heats)
11:10 - Race 10: 100m Breaststroke Male (M)(4 Heats)
11:30 - Race 11: 100m Freestyle Female (F)(4 Heats)
11:50 - Race 12: 100m Freestyle Male (M)(2 Heats)
12:00-12:30: Non- competitive novice swim M/F Age 8+
12:45 - Race 12: 100m Freestyle Male (M)(2 Heats)
13:15 - Relay Race : 200m (Mixed Male and Female) (50m per swimmer - 4 heats)
RESULTS
Results will be issued on the day.
PRIZE-GIVING
19:00 - Prizegiving in the Rockfield Centre, Oban town centre
NON COMPETITIVE SWIM LUNCHTIME SESSION
We are offering 2 non- competitive novice swim sessions. All participants must be able to swim at least 50m and fill out medical/waivers before swimming in this short session. Age 8-15yrs require 1:1 adult participation in the water.
LOCATION
Oban | North Pier Pontoons, PA34 5QD. What3Words: employers.blinking.owls
Warm showers are available on site, free of charge for all competitors.
SAUNA
Access to our Wood-Fired Saunas is included within your ticket price. All sauna users must complete a Disclaimer and Medical Form on the Friday night registration and agree to our Sauna Terms and Conditions
PARKING
There is on street parking close to the event area. Please avoid blocking access routes at the pontoons and follow local parking guidance.
TOILETS
Competitors can use toilets within the North Pier office buidling (where the shower blocks are). Spectators and visitors can use the publc toilets on the pier which are open 8am -6pm in the winter payable 50p cash. These facilities have disabled access.
ACCOMMODATION
Explore accommodation options at Visit Oban - your first port of call for where to stay and what see and do while you're here.
For those wishing to stay close to the event, the Columba Hotel located right beside the North Pier, is offering a special event rate of £65 per room per night inc breakfast for twin or double rooms. To book call +44(0)1631 562183 or email: [email protected] and quote the "IWSA Winter Championships" to receive the discounted rate.
If you want to stay just outside of Oban town (Sandy Bay and Wild Sauna on site) then check out Tralee Bay Coastal Park
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
After a thrilling day in the water, join us for the official after party at The Rockfield Centre in Oban town centre. A fun evening of music, food and community spirit not to be missed!
Registered swimmers will receive full details of the after party and how to purchase your tickets. This is an additional cost.
PLANNING A WEEKEND SWIM/SAUNA AROUND THE EVENT?
Food - There are some great cafes and restaurants in Oban which can be found mostly within walking distance. Eeusk and Piazza are restaurants right on the north pier and well recommended for lunch and dinner.
If you want to get some training in there are great beaches close by. Post swim warm up in one of our Wild Saunas The Coorie In will be running sessions Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm at Tralee 15 mins drive from the event area. The Snug Sauna Friday at Ganavan Sands, 5 minutes drive from the event venue and Saturday at the event for competitors.
STAY CONNECTED
Keep an eye on Wild Bathing Facebook and Instagram for updates and event news in the run up to the event. www.wildbathing.co.uk
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Oban North Pier Pontoons, Oban North Pier Pontoons, Oban, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 33.22
