Our Unique Experience – Goa Swimathon 2023

The Goa Swimathon is an annual long-distance open-water swimming competition.

Held in Goa, it is a well-organized competition open to swimmers of all ages from all over India. It is run and sponsored by Enduro Sports and other prominent Indian swimming brands. Swimmers above the age of 8 can participate, given that they meet the required cut-off times when swimming.

The categories and events are perfectly suited for long-time open-water swimmers and first-time long-distance swimmers. It is the training ground for any swimmer who is seeking an open-water experience, and its location in Goa makes the entire event all the more interesting. 

Venue and Date

The competition is carried out on the shores of different beaches in Goa. For example, in 2023, it was held at Betalbatim beach, but was held at Bambolim the previous year. The competition is held during Goa’s peak tourism season when the weather is most pleasant. The competition is between January and March, and registration closes a month before the event. In case you wish to register late, you will have to pay an extra fee. 

Events

The events include 250m, 1km, 2km, 5km, and 10km. The eligibility for participation depends on your age and previous swimming experience. For the 5km and 10km, you are required to have previous open water experience, and this section is also restricted to adults.

However, for the shorter distance events, there are no race criteria other than age. You can participate in these events even if you have never swam open water before. 

Groups

There are 5 groups, but their definition changes based on the category. However, here are the general divisions. 

• 8-13
• 14-17
• 18-24
• 25-39
• 40-59
• 60+

Swimmers from age 18 and above can participate in 5km onwards, but those who are not of that age cannot. The youngest age category can also only participate in 250m.

The age categorization is to ensure all swimmers reach on time and that there is no issue of safety. Younger swimmers especially must be careful in these waters, and some amount of experience is recommended before attempting.

Even if you are an older swimmer, but have not swam open water, you should opt for the shorter distances. This will ensure you are safe, and will also prevent your disqualification. 

How to prepare yourself for the Goa Swimathon?

Open water swimming is not more difficult than pool swimming, nor is it less challenging. However, if you are not used to it, the experience can be daunting.

The waves create differences in pressure and currents that must be overpowered. The long-distance combined with this requires large amounts of endurance. For these reasons, you should practice strength training, as well as endurance swimming. This involves practicing laps for as long as needed, building muscle strength, and controlling breathing techniques.

An ideal solution would be to practice distances longer than your actual event, making the event seem easier than it is. Doing drills for freestyle using fins and paddles will also help you build strength. 

For this Swimathon in particular, a minimum of two months of specialized training is required.

What are the challenges you might face?

Open-water swimming can seem terrifying. The waves are unrelenting and can push you away from your course. It will continue to hit you during your swim. You will swallow a lot of seawater, and this also makes visibility poor. This may cause some panic, but it should be noted that there are many lifeguards and safety boats on duty. In case you are genuinely unable to swim, there will be help provided. 

There are also many animals in the ocean. This can include fish, crabs, and jellyfish. When touching these animals, creates a sense of panic in many of the swimmers. Animals are not easy to deal with, and even touching them can create worry. Especially for jellyfish, as you can get hurt from their stings. For example, the 2023 swimmers ran into a pool of jellyfish, and many were unable to continue the race because of it. 

Finally, the sand and shore is a difficult barrier to cross when aiming for the finish line. You will have to run and jump over the waves, and across the sand when reaching the finish line. This is very difficult, especially after such a long swim, and many swimmers fall during this half of the race. 

What will you need?

Open-water swimming requires vastly different materials. Here are some you should ensure to carry. 

Swimming gear

Carry your swimsuit, swim caps, and goggles. Even though swim caps are provided, it is best to layer them as the head cap provided may rip. Use a tight pair of goggles, because salt water is very painful in the eyes. 

You cannot wear a wetsuit for this competition. The water is not cold enough for this anyway. You may be in danger of dehydrating otherwise. However, you can wear a full-length costume. This is recommended, especially because of the ocean creatures. 

Spare clothes

After the swim, you will need to quickly remove your swimsuit with salt water at the beach. The beach shower may be difficult, so carry appropriate clothing that is easy to change into, and not very warm. A swim poncho is especially helpful in a situation like this. 

First-aid kit

Swimming in the ocean can be dangerous. If you run into other swimmers, you can get badly hurt. You can also injure your muscles. Carry a safety kit including an antiseptic cream, some cotton, a pain ointment, and some band-aids and bandages. Carry a hot water bag if possible. If you have low pain tolerance or allergies, Allegra and paracetamol are also necessary. 

Food

Carry small bites of food that can be quickly consumed before and after your race to conserve energy. Energy bars and energy drinks should be your go-to. You might want to carry some dry fruits and other fruits. The event usually serves breakfast, so you should be taken care of after the swim. 

Sunscreen and coconut oil

It is incredibly sunny in Goa. You are also likely to dry out very quickly in the sun and salt water. Sunscreen will help keep a barrier between your skin and the damage. Your sunscreen should be SPF 50 and water resistant. Sunscreens are a must for ocean swimming. If you want to know more about water-resistant sunscreen, you can check here.

Coconut oil will also help repel the water and help you move smoothly. It will stop other swimmers from grabbing onto you. It also provides some protection against the ocean creatures such as the jellyfish. As long as nothing can latch onto your skin, you should be well protected. 

Why is such a Swimathon important for a swimmer?

In case you have never done open water, it is definitely a bucket list experience. The ocean teaches courage, and it allows you to face fears you may not even know you have.

It will make you stronger as a swimmer, and as a person.

The competition is a unique opportunity and will allow you to understand where your strengths lie. You may even become a permanent open-water swimmer after this experience. 

Goa is also a beautiful tourist destination. The timing is also perfect, as the competition is held when Goa’s weather is most agreeable. The food, people, souvenirs, and activities make the experience worth it. It has wonderful places to stay and will be a definite opportunity to create memories with your swim mates. 

It is likely that you will feel cold after swimming even on a warm day. Though it might feel okay in summer, you should be careful during the winter season.

There are some precautions that you should take immediately after swimming.

Check for other open water swimming competition here.