The Hurly Burly is an exhilarating 10-kilometer river swim set in the stunning Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. Starting from the sandy beach of Barmouth, swimmers journey beneath the iconic Barmouth Bridge, a mile-and-a-half-wide railway bridge, and navigate the wide, sandy estuary flanked by mountains. The course then leads through 'the narrows' into a more sheltered part of the estuary, offering a dynamic and challenging swim.
This swim is designed for experienced outdoor swimmers, as it involves fast-moving waters and variable conditions. Participants should be capable of swimming at least 7 kilometers confidently and maintaining a pace of 35 minutes per mile or faster. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 10, with the swim start at approximately 8:30 am. The swim concludes at Penmaenpool, where participants can change, enjoy hot food, and warm up around fire pits.
Organized by Level Water, a charity dedicated to providing swimming lessons for children with disabilities, the Hurly Burly offers participants the option to swim in either the Suits (wetsuit) or Skins (no wetsuit) category. This event not only presents a unique swimming experience but also supports a meaningful cause, contributing to the charity's mission to make swimming accessible to all children.
Please note that the Hurly Burly is a challenging swim suitable only for experienced outdoor swimmers. Participants should be prepared for fast, choppy waters and variable weather conditions. It's recommended to practice in similar conditions to prepare adequately.
Catch’s swimming courses give you everything you need to crush your goals.
.png){kind=small}
Swimming sessions will drop into your inbox every week, customised to your goals, lifestyle & ability.
Each week, a fresh video with a new aspect of front crawl will be available to watch, which'll match your weekly training plan.
Posted to your door, these cards will guide you through your sessions & drills.
Find local swim pals through Catch’s online community. The club content hub has heaps of technique tips, race recommendations, adventure ideas & more.
Not for the faint-hearted however this swimrun has it all. Swims of up to 2km, pristine trails, uninhabited islands, 10 islands, potential for seals to cheer you on, some of the best view points on Scilly. There really is nothing else like this event!
Find out more
The Chillswim Ullswater 7.5 Miles End to End is a premier open water swimming event set in the picturesque Lake District. Scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, this swim offers participants the opportunity to traverse the full length of Ullswater, starting at Glenridding in the south and finishing at Parkfoot Holiday Park near Pooley Bridge in the north. The route is approximately 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) long, with swimmers keeping within approximately 50 meters of the shore after the first mile.
Find out more
The Dock2Dock swim offers a unique opportunity to experience open water swimming in the heart of London’s Royal Docks. With towering historical cranes lining the water and the iconic skyline of Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena in the background, this event combines the thrill of urban swimming with the challenge of long-distance racing.
Find out more
The 10K Great North Swim is a tough endurance challenge for swimmers aged 18 and over, covering 10,000m—equivalent to 400 lengths of a standard 25m pool. Entrants must be able to swim the full 10K unaided within 4 hours. The average completion time is around 2 to 3 hours. Full support is provided with lifeguards, kayakers, and safety boats throughout the swim, ensuring safety in the stunning Lake Windermere. This race is designed for experienced swimmers seeking to take on a serious open water endurance challenge.
Find out more
Sign up to Catch Free
You’ll get access to the online swim community with training session ideas, mini courses, a swim content hub & local swim squad.
Get Free Access Now