NEW SWIM DATE IS 2 MAY 2010!

Due to a decision by Robben Island to shut down operations totally on 1 May, 2010 (Worker's Day), the Cadiz Freedom Swim has had to be pushed back to Sunday, May 2 with May 3 as the contingency date.

Please note: it is our firm intention to swim on Sunday, 2 May and the event will only be postponed to Monday, 3 May if conditions are completely unfavourable.

What is the Cadiz Freedom Swim?
The Cadiz Freedom Swim is considered to be one of the toughest, most extreme long distance cold water sea swim races in the world - 7.5km across the famous Robben Island channel, known for its bitterly cold water (around 13 degrees) and strong, unpredictable currents.

The Cadiz Freedom Swim 2010 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 2, 2010, from 10am to 3pm. If sea and weather conditions are not conducive the swim will be postponed to Sunday, May 3, 2010, from 10am.

The swim raises funds for the Vista Nova School for children with special learning needs, based in Cape Town.

The race begins from Murray's Bay on Robben Island, and ends on the beach in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand on Cape Town's False Bay coast.

There are two race categories : Solo and Relay

Solo (White Cap):

  • standard costume and cap only (CLDSA + Channel swimming rules. Swimmers must be 15 or older)

Relay (two, three or four swimmers):

  • Open no wetsuits
  • Open wetsuits (one or more members of the team wearing a wetsuit)
  • Corporate relay - (wetsuits optional)
  • Schools relay - (wearing wetsuits. Participants must be between 12 and 18 years old)

Cadiz Financial Strategy Group is the official race sponsor, signifying the company's commitment to social responsibility and its support for sport that involves passion and dedication -- in line with Cadiz's value system and business strategy.

Ram Barkai, CEO of Cadiz, has participated in the swim for the last seven years and several members of Cadiz have completed the relay swim.

Since its inception in 2001 the swim has grown each year with up to 400 long distance swimmers expected in May 2010 - among them some of SA's most extreme athletes and several international competitors.

Natalie du Toit is an annual competitor and has won the women's division of the race every year since she first participated. There is a high level of media interest in the swim, including international and national television and press coverage.

The fastest growing component in the event is the relay division which attracts teams from schools, universities, corporates and sporting clubs. There is also a wetsuit division within the relay component of the event for swimmers less accustomed to very cold conditions.

An important part of the swim involves highlighting Robben Island's historic role in SA's struggle for democracy. Swimmers are made aware of this historic context, as well as the World Heritage Site status of the island. Every care and consideration is taken to ensure the island is accorded the dignity and respect for which it is synonymous.

The race is fast becoming a showcase for development swimming with an increasing number of development swimmer relay entries and a high level of local and international media interest

While the swim is scheduled to take place on 2 May, unpredictable weather and sea conditions require a contingency date, ie: 3 May. All participants should be prepared for both days.

To ensure safety competitors and all those involved in the event are expected to adhere strictly to all rules and regulations. The cold Atlantic poses a real physical threat to swimmers no matter how fit they are. Participants must read the Rules and Regulations page on this site and note the qualifying requirements for entry. They must also read the Swimming Tips page and pay particular attention to the info on hypothermia. The race is overseen by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association and the NSRI.

English Channel Swimming rules apply.

Well known participants each year include Tyron Venter, Carina Bruwer, John Dickerson, Barend Nortje, Andrew Chin, Ram Barkai, Theodore Yach, Tony Sellmeyer and many others.

The Cadiz Freedom Swim is being managed by Leap Communications with assistance from Vista Nova School.

For all swim queries, email: info@leapcommunications.co.za.

Or call Craig/Shirley on: +27 (0) 21 785 3683.