Open water swims in Joburg...

[dracs]

Any tips on where and when to do one this long weekend? I want to do a practice wetsuit swim....

 

Flexible on the where and when - just not early morning Sat or Sun as I have rides planned.

Edited December 14, 2012 by dracs

[Garfield2010]

Dracs I dont live in Joburg anymore. However I can tell you to stay away from Germiston as well as Emmarentia Dam especially after the rains.

 

Maybe look for a dam in the Cradle somewhere? There are plenty of clean dams around there!

 

Also never swim alone.

[Dale Clark]

I havent tried it out but I have heard that you are able to swim at Base Lake...

[dracs]

thanks... I hear contradictory things about Emmerentia - believe plenty of swimming is going on there...

[mr_stig]

Lake Heritage is a good bet. You can access the water at Heia Safari, just off Beyers Naude in the Cradle. Pristine water

[doris]

Lake Heritage is a good bet. You can access the water at Heia Safari, just off Beyers Naude in the Cradle. Pristine water

 

Called them and they say no open swimming on your own anymore

[DawieO]

OW swimming on your own is dangerous and unwise.

 

Emmarentia is fine

Heritage

Base9 ski dam near Tembisa

Heya Safari if the hippos aren't around

Bass Lake is lovely, but closed at the moment I think.

[Seeker911]

yes dont swim alone and do wear a bright yellow cap. never know when one of the canoeists is gonna run you over or the hippo mistakes you for a tasty bit

[mr_stig]

Called them and they say no open swimming on your own anymore

 

Wish I had seen your reply before I went out to Lake Heritage a week or so back to swim.

 

I see that some open water swims take place at Florida Lake. Anyone know if it's ok to train there?

[travisza]

There is an open water swim there (Heia Safari) on 26th October if guys are keen.

 

3km

 

http://www.swiftswimming.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23:open-water-swimming&catid=2:uncategorised&Itemid=101

[mon-goose]

looks cold but a really nice venue

[travisza]

Yeah I reckon I'm gonna freeze cos there is no ways the water is warm yet. Need some OW practice in the wetsuit though so I'll take 1 x 3km swim with an icecream headache on the side

[dracs]

Yeah I reckon I'm gonna freeze cos there is no ways the water is warm yet. Need some OW practice in the wetsuit though so I'll take 1 x 3km swim with an icecream headache on the side

Thanks for sharing... one week before the 5150 in edenvale - I am keen. I wonder just how cold the water is...?

 

See there is also a 1500m option the day after - Sunday 27th. Think I may go for that

Edited October 2, 2013 by dracs

[davem]

Are these swims wetsuit legal? Don't think OWS races allow wetsuits.

[travisza]

I hope so. I'll double check

[travisza]

Are these swims wetsuit legal? Don't think OWS races allow wetsuits.

Davem is wise beyond his years.

 

No wetsuits allowed. I am rethinking entering this now.