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BOOKINGS OPEN 10am SUNDAY 6th OCTOBER! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/portishead-popsicle-2024-festive-cold-water-swimming-gala-tickets-1038748573947?aff=oddtdtcreatorIf you fancy a festive cold-water swimming challenge, a bit of friendly competition and a good excuse to drink mulled wine and eat mince-pies then this is the event for you.
The Popsicle is a cold-water swimming gala where the emphasis is on putting the fun in fundraising. All profits from the event will help to support this community run open air pool, and we actively welcome swimmers who want to take on this challenge to raise funds for other causes close to their own hearts.
We are offering the following events to swimmers over the age of 14:
133m relay
4 swimmers each swimming one length of the pool. In this event there is no differentiation between teams where some wear wetsuits and some don't, and there is no gender requirement for the teams. Teams seeking sponsorship to fundraise for charities or organisations close to their hearts are very welcome, and we'll ensure your charity gets a mention. In past years we've had some wonderfully extravagant fancy-dress outfits amongst our relay teams; competition for 'best fancy dress' is fierce. Speed-demons also welcome, as gold, silver and bronze are awarded on times.
133m event (4 lengths)
Freestyle; results will be posted for male, female, wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers, but you are welcome to swim just for fun too.
333m event (10 lengths)
Freestyle; results will be posted for male, female, wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers, but you are welcome to swim just for fun too.
66.6m fly event (2 lengths)
Butterfly; results will be posted for male, female, wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers, but you are welcome to swim just for fun too.
Individual Medley (4 lengths)
1 length each of butterfly, backstroke, breast stroke and front crawl to be swum in that order; results will be posted for male, female, wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers, but you are welcome to swim just for fun too
The Grand National (2 lengths)
You must gallantly ride your trusty inflatable unicorn steed for two lengths, if you become unseated during the race you'll need to remount to finish. Extravagant headwear welcome and as we cannot supply the unicorns you must bring your own steed. There are no gender or wetsuit / skins divisions for this race - as long as you wear something we don't mind what it is. Last year there were a lot self-identifying unicorns. That's OK. We believe in equality of opportunity for all inflatable creatures. And people, obviously.
Fast & Furious & Freezing
Team event - teams of 4 swimmers will have 15 minutes to swim as many lengths as possible relay style. The team that clocks up the most lengths in 15 minutes takes the crown; it's that simple. The freezing part? All 4 of you must stay in the water at all times. If one of your team has had enough before the 15 minutes is up then it's one out, all out and your length total will be recorded at that point. As with all our races if a volunteer or staff member judges a swimmer to be struggling then you'll be asked to get out. These teams must be mixed gender, and no more than two team members can wear wetsuits.
As usual, there will be hot tubs available for the use of swimmers registered for the event. Big thanks to Rubber Duckies hot tubs of Weston-super-Mare for supplying them.
Heaven On The Hill have kindly agreed to supply our now famous biscuit medals once more, and pool supporters Kath and Wilma are so organised that they already made the festive 'hats' for the chocolate oranges. As ever they've excelled themselves with some new designs!
Mulled wine and other hot drinks are available as are a variety of hot and cold snacks. Spectators are very welcome, free of charge, and they'll have a great view of your swim from our terraces.
There will also be a lane available for spur of the moment dippers and swimmers, who can simply arrive and pay on the day.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Portishead Open Air Pool, Portishead, United Kingdom
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