Open water swimming has exploded and it is great to see. There is something exhilarating about taking the plunge and entering open water with just your skin (and a swimming costume) between you and the elements. Because of bad weather the race had to be postponed to the following Saturday the 19th August 1967 at 3 p.m. An open water swimmer has hailed her crossing of Lough Neagh as a triumph — despite being whisked to hospital after breathing water into her lungs.. As BelfastLive reports, Lurgan woman Alison O’Hagan was 13km into her 14km endurance swim on Saturday morning (11 July) when she inadvertently took a lungful of water in a sudden swell.. A paramedic on the RIB accompanying O’Hagan throughout her … The bay is sheltered out to Coney Island which sits 1 kilometre away as the crow flies and makes a pleasant swim for the strong and confident swimmer, however the far side of the island is exposed to the greater lough and is subject to the eddies and currents lough Neagh is renowned for. Bucket collection for Carlingford Day Centre. The Dunkers have arrived. With open water swimming and cold water dipping becoming more popular, we've seen an increase of nearly 80% (79.81%) in calls for HM Coastguard's help for swimming-related incidents. Additionally, there will have a 150m maximum Try-A-Swim, open to adults and children (parents can accompany their child if they wish) and a 150m fun swim with … A group of hardy open water swimmers are proving that anything is possible during lockdown. Nevertheless, you can still take boats on to the water. The Irish Long Distance Swimming Association was first formed in 1966 as a result of growing interest in open water swimming in Ireland. Their catches … Words by Maureen McCoy, Photography by Paul McCambridge. Select Page . Catching up with Francie McAlinden (Winner Global Swim Series 2018) who amongst other things is planning a charity swim for his grandson, 14th September – Swim for Oran – raising funds for the Heart Beat Trust RVH, I’m all signed up! I am reminded of the adventures my brothers and I had, swimming, canoeing and camping out on our own small island, taking over the hide used for duck shooting in season, and imagining ourselves far away from the civilized world. Swim Finder; Community; RNLI Safety; Ethos; Activities; Contact Us; 0. Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers – Oxford Island, Co Armagh, Saturday 15th December 10am – Soup and chat After, As I stand here in the warm sunlight on a sunny day in May, I look out across Maghery Bay to Coney Island. The soft peaty water of the lough takes me back to swimming as a child a little further along the shore, at my grand-parents farm in Co Tyrone. https://community.specialolympics.ie/polar-plunge2018/rosses-point-polar-plunge, https://community.specialolympics.ie/mcf/events/2018/polar-plulnge2018/clogherhead-polar-plunge-2018, https://community.specialolympics.ie/rosslare-polar-plunge-2018, https://community.specialolympics.ie/sandycove-polar-plunge, https://community.specialolympics.ie/kinsale-polar-plunge, https://community.specialolympics.ie/belfast-polar-plunge, https://community.specialolympics.ie/rathmullan-polar-plunge, THE HERMITAGE The Mournes - Tollymore Forest Park, CRAIGAVON BALANCING LAKES CO ARMAGH. There were also plenty of eel fishers, who still exist today. A quick dip with friends or family and maybe even raising some funds for a worthy cause… why not check out a local event; “with 7 locations nationwide there’s bound to be a plunge near you”, Turkey Swims, Sandycove & Myrtleville, Co Cork, 12 noon is Turkey Swim Time – All welcome, alternating Sandycove / Myrtlville, Money collected goes towards prizes drawn on the 23rd at Fountainstown, excess money and all money collected on the final weekend goes to RNLI, Further details; https://sandycoveswimmers.com/, Gathering of Friends Christmas Swim – Pier to Pier – Carlingford, Co Louth. Open Water Coaching for those looking to take that 1st Step into Open Water or improve their technique. 359 likes. As we left the water the rain got heavier, it wasn’t the weather for hanging around, so everyone quickly retreated towards home with calls of; “See you next week!” and “…really enjoyed that!” leaving the beach with a happy buzz. The site also contains full details of her iconic endurance swims, along with a stunning gallery of additional images from the time. Oran … Approx 100km over four days he is doing all of this I'm memory of his grandson Orán who passed away aged 6 after 3 heart operations. Arcadia Bathing Club Santa Splash – Portrush, Co Antrim, Sunday 16th December 1.30pm East Strand Portrush, ©Paul McCambridge/MAC Visual Media 1st January 2018 Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers New Years Swim, Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers 12 Swims of Christmas, Co Down. The waves washed seaweed around our ankles as we made our way into the lough chatting and encouraging each other. Here the path met a high wall which we skirted around and continued along the seaward side to a gate and slipway. Lough Neagh attracts bird watchers from all over the world due to the number and variety of birds which winter and summer in its shores. An open water swimmer has hailed her crossing of Lough Neagh as a triumph — despite being whisked to hospital after breathing water into her lungs. Daina Bouquin, Stephen Rouch Win 25 Butterfly At M... COVID-19’s Impact On Crossings Of The Strait... Jordan Wilimovsky And Dave Kelsheimer On WOWSA Liv... Madhu Nagaraja Has The Right Attitude On WOWSA Liv... Dr. Caroline Block Doubles Down On WOWSA Live... Maarten van der Weijden On Raising Awareness On WO... Billy Wallace Recalls North Channel History On WOW... Kamil Resa Alsaran Continues To Impress... Nejib Belhedi Start Is Best Tunisian Photo Of The Year, Learn About The Human History Of Swimming With Howard Means. Open water swimming has exploded and it is great to see. climatize to the chill. At the far side we passed under some trees and were brought close to the water’s edge. By Carmel Robinson. Despite containing enough liquid to fill 7 million swimming pools, Lough Neagh is relatively shallow, with an average depth of just 9 metres. The Lurgan woman said she first started open water swimming with the Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers. Location – Isle of Skye Contact – Gill Williams Swim Times – 10am Sunday mornings Social Media – Skye Wild Swimmers. As BelfastLive reports , Lurgan woman Alison O’Hagan was 13km into her 14km endurance swim on Saturday morning (11 July) when she inadvertently took a lungful of water in a sudden swell. Nestled between the wall and the gate is the perfect changing area. More swimmers gathered, and we introduced ourselves to each other before Jonny lead us along the path that winds across Loughshore Park. Dare to Dip for Cancer Focus, Crawfordsburn Beach Bangor, Co Down. Only events with in Ireland should be posted. Its unspoiled scenery, secluded bays and skyward views are a haven for wildlife and open water swimmers. Still chatting happily as we climbed our way out across the mat of seaweed, everyone seeming to revel in the post swim buzz, discussing the merits of various coats, jackets and changing robes. A little further down the laneway one may take the footbridge across the Blackwater and step into County Tyrone. Bobbing about in the waves we looked toward Belfast, the giant yellow torsos of Samson and Goliath (cranes in the docks) standing out against the grey sky – the iconic view of Belfast. Lough Neagh, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Northern Ireland, is the largest lake in Ireland and Britain. Lough Neagh is the biggest Lough in the British Isles measuring over 300 square km’s. It might here be remarked that there is something in connection with the waters of Lough Neagh that does not seem explainable, because although Miss Gleitze was swimming very strongly, very little progress was made from 1.00 p.m. until 3.45 p.m. Ali’s Lough Neagh Crossing. The course, in the northern part of the lough, was from Skefflington Lodge to the Firing Head and back. No need to worry as I waded in calling out the one name in the group I knew; “Roisin?” one wetsuit clad lady said “She’s over there…” pointing to a tow-float anchored not far out where a little party of swimmers were doing repeated laps between this and a second rescue buoy. Whether it be that the different rivers which make up the Lough all join issue at some particular point and race for an outlet through the Bann, or whether it … Selkies – Shetland Open Water Swimming. Swim 4 Orán will be a charity open water swimming event and family fun day on Saturday 14th September 2019 from 10.00am at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, Lurgan. Rows of cars parked close to the water, spilt out swimmers in various stages of undress. Everyone; keep swimming, keep safe and keep enjoying…, ****************************************************. One way assemble at King John’s pier. Registration: £10 Suggested Sponsorship: £50, https://cancerfocusni.org/fundraising/events/. Missing their “cold water fix”, some Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers have mastered a way of swimming tethered to garden pools. Cathy Devlin, Investing for Health Officer and Dorothy Johnston, Casual Swimming Coach and Teacher at Waves Leisure Complex are part of the Lough Neagh Dunkers – a group of very brave open water swimmers! Official website documenting the accomplishments of Mercedes Gleitze. Monday, 1st March 2021, 3:49 pm ... many people are turning to our Lough to swim. Two way swimmers assemble at pier closest to sailing club. Pool to Open Water confidence building. Rows of cars parked close to the water, spilt out swimmers in various stages of undress. If you're heading out this weekend, have fun but swim safe: be prepared, go with a buddy, have the right equipment and check … Thanks for the swim caps Chris! A quick pre-dip brief by founder member Chris Judge included a warm welcome to us guests, it’s been quite a while since I swam with Chris at Newcastle harbour on a grey day. Halloween is over and now we race towards Christmas, with days getting shorter there’s a call to make the most of the daylight…. Over the last few centuries, large transport vessels used to carry products like coal and timber across the lake to the various connecting canals. Whatever our reasons, it certainly gives one a zing and zest for life and the camaraderie found in swimming groups is infectious. Calling all Swim Clubs, Groups, Societies & Swimming Enthusiasts…Please share your details and help populate COSIMAC GLOBAL … On the shores of Lough Neagh, behind the Discovery Centre a short slipway offers entry to a sheltered section of the lough and it’s here at the weekends that Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers meet. Daina Bouquin, Stephen Rouch Win 25 Butterfly At M, COVID-19’s Impact On Crossings Of The Strait, Jordan Wilimovsky And Dave Kelsheimer With Ned Den, THE PONDS (Still Waters Run Deep) Courtesy of Lase, Madhu Nagaraja Has The Right Attitude On WOWSA Liv, Swimming In Sharky Waters Courtesy of WOWSA, Magne, Dr. Caroline Block Doubles Down On WOWSA Live Spon, Maarten van der Weijden On Raising Awareness On WO, Billy Wallace Recalls North Channel History On WOW, Kamil Resa Alsaran Continues To Impress Courtesy o, Copyright © 2021 Open Water Swimming Association, Inspiration/Isolation With Amy Appelhans Gubser, The Wall And The Virus Present Borders To The North And South, Doug Hughson Joins History By Completing Derwent River Big Swim, Francis Pérez Captures The Wonders Of The Open Water, 752,000 Reasons To Be Thankful In Tampa Bay, Ana Marcela Cunha Takes First Leg Of FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series. Thank you, Jonny and JLS for inviting us to join you – great swim and see you again soon! The Belfast Bulldog Swims With A Big Heart Courtesy of Ned Denison. Cancer FocusNI’s New Year’s Day Dip is back for the 4th year running! Lap4Orán will be the first attempted circumnavigation of Lough Neagh and Francie needs your support as he raises money for the Make-A-Wish UK.. Francie is a twice Global Swim Series champ and ultimate team swimmer coaching our masters swimmers onto personal goals … The sun glints on the waters’ surface as I slide in and catch my breath as the cold water folds around me, the warm sun belying the fact that the water has not yet warmed this early in May and I take a moment to ac. Official website documenting the accomplishments of Mercedes Gleitze. Swim Finder. Creator of the WOWSA Awards, World Open Water Swimming Association, the Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Oceans Seven, Open Water Summit, Openwaterpedia, KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. As lifetime advocates of year-round swimming ourselves, we took the opportunity to meet up with several of these newly formed groups…. The site also contains full details of her iconic endurance swims, along with a stunning gallery of additional images from the time. The following year, 1967 was remarkable in the history of open water swimming, with many swim meets scheduled that would sow … In the lee of Guns Island we did several more laps, swimming a mix of Breaststroke and Front Crawl, with a bit of chatting in between. It contains over 800 billion gallons of water, enough to fill 7 million swimming pools. Meeting up at the car park on the Lough Shore at Jordanstown, just beside the small café, it wasn’t long before we spied a small group of swimmers; warm coats and kit bags slung over their shoulders… we were in the right place. As BelfastLive reports , Lurgan woman Alison O’Hagan was 13km into her 14km endurance swim on Saturday morning (11 July) when she inadvertently took a lungful of water in a sudden swell. It was nice to catch up with old friends and see so many new faces getting into the water. Over the last few centuries, large transport vessels used to carry products like coal and timber across the lake to the various connecting canals. #999Coastguard There are many benefits to the activity, but that doesn’t counter the risks. “With our leisure and swimming facilities currently closed due to lockdown regulations, many people are turning to our Lough to swim. Monday, 31st August 2020, 3:29 pm . Cathy Devlin, a founding member of the Monster Dunkers, greeted me with a big hug, having now ditched the wetsuit – a change from that long ago night swim at Janet’s Rock. I hastily stripped down to my cossie, crammed my cap on my head and fished goggles from the depth of my bag, fearing the others would leave the water just as I arrived. A sea of bright coloured tow floats jostled with the blue Monster hats and the singing continued. ©Paul McCambridge/MAC Visual Media Santa Splash 2017, Portrush. Under the support and supervision of fully qualified coaches and fitness instructors. Subcutaneous ink-sulation??? Race distances will include 750m, 1.5k and 3k. Looking for an idyllic swimming location?.. Steven Munatones 07/05/2010 Open Water Swimming No Comment Lough Neagh , an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Northern Ireland, is the largest lake in Ireland and Britain. Cathy Devlin, Investing for Health Officer and Dorothy Johnston, Casual Swimming Coach and Teacher at Waves Leisure Complex are part of the Lough Neagh Dunkers – a group of very brave open water swimmers! By Carmel Robinson. Nice to catch up again and it was great to see so many faces in the group. ©Paul McCambridge – Portrush – 18th December 2016 Hundreds turned out for Portrush’s annual Santa Splash in aid of the Childrens Heartbeat Trust organised by the Acradia Bathing Club. Approximately half-way between Strangford town and Ardglass, along the Killard Road, lies Ballyhornan Bay and its close neighbour, Benderg. No two swims are ever the same, weather changes, conditions are different, how we feel on that day… these factors and more will make a difference…that’s what makes it so addictive. On 11th July, Alison O’Hagan will swim across the width of Lough Neagh from Kiltagh to Gawleys Gate, a total of 14K. Swell Swimmers Open Water Coaching with Colin McCard, Tonagh GardensLisburn, Lisburn (2020) A conference space will also be available for hire initially which will be transformed into an exhibition area later in the year. Submit your club info. In 2010 Anne Marie Ward, Donegal became the first Irish woman swimmer to swim from Ireland to Scotland. Cold water swimmers each have their differing reasons for hitting the water on a regular basis, some wish to prepare for challenges such as the Ice Swimming distances or an event where the ability to deal with the cold for a long period is paramount. Andrew Vaughan – Lisburn Triathlon Club, quietly takes it all in his lengthy stride…. Our next swim was over a 2 mile course in Lough Neagh. Tiree Polar Bears. A soggy morning in mid-February was the time we chose to visit the swim group that formed here over the winter. This race was organized by a sub-committee of Messrs. J. Jones, R. Jones and R. Mc Gaffin. This unique approach to fitness combines several of councils very successful health programmes i.e C25K, Sofa to Saddle, Open Water Swimming. As we prepared for our dip the air began to crackle with excitement, a few first timers were a little nervous but support was plentiful. Steven Munatones January 27, 2010 Open Water Swimming January 27, 2010 Open Water Swimming Francie swims across Lough Neagh in memory of Orán Swimming champion Francie McAlinden swam the length of Lough Neagh for the Make a Wish Foundation in memory of his little grandson. Comfortable in the chilly water, it begs the question has he found an, as yet unresearched advantage? An open water swimmer has hailed her crossing of Lough Neagh as a triumph — despite being whisked to hospital after breathing water into her lungs. ... a seasoned open water swimmer kept his focus and continued on with out a … Looking to find out where you can meet up with other open water swimmers or post you open water swimming events with in or around northern Ireland. Open Water Coaching for those looking to take that 1st Step into Open Water or improve their technique. On 11th July, Alison O’Hagan will swim across the width of Lough Neagh from Kiltagh to Gawleys Gate, a total of 14K. Its unspoiled scenery, secluded bays and skyward views are a haven for wildlife and open water swimmers. To the right of the slipway, two markers approximately 150 metres out warn boats of the shallow water, beyond these markers it quickly gets very deep. Several members of Lisburn Triathlon club were tempted to explore winter dunking and swimming and then were very quickly drawn irreversibly to “the cold side…” These guys have ditched the wetsuits and set themselves some challenging swims over the next 2 years. An open water swimmer has hailed her crossing of Lough Neagh as a triumph — despite being whisked to hospital after breathing water into her lungs. 2 talking about this. Monday 24th December 12noon – assemble on each pier 11.45am safety briefing. Finally, we were drawn to try out some body surfing in the small rollers breaking in the shallows, with a lot of squealing and trying not to lose our goggles in the foam we managed to return intact. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, recipient of the Poseidon Award and Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, … The Boathouse will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with barista style coffee and fresh bakes on offer too. After briefing, the Dunkers flooded down the slipway, some singing and some squealing as they waded in.