WINDHOEK – The annual Pointbreak Open Water swim competition gets into full swing on Sunday at the Lake Oanob Resort near Rehoboth.
Swimmers will compete in the 2,1-kilometer race or the shorter 700m swim, with a handsome N$15 000 in prizes while the first 130 entries will receive a billabong event T-shirt.
With open water swimming having gained massively in popularity over the last few years, event organizers, Otb Sport, expect over 200 swimmers for this year’s race.
“We have seen a continual increase in participating numbers in both the Pointbreak Open Water swim and in the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile. More local athletes have now discovered the enjoyment of open water swimming in the splendour of the Namibian landscape,” said organizer Yvonne Brinkmann.
“We expect a tight race with most of the top local swimmers competing. To expose the younger generation to open water swimming, there will also be a kiddies’ swim, which is a fun event that children can participate in, along with their parents or any other competent swimmer.”
All children will receive a finisher’s medal while participants are allowed to use any flotation device to assist the children.
The 700m swim kicks off at 09h30 and the 2,1km race will start at 10h00 with the Kiddies Fun event scheduled for 11h00. The prize-giving ceremony will conclude proceedings at around 11h30.
Meanwhile, Otb Sport acknowledged the generous sponsorship of the event over the past six years by Pointbreak, a Namibian investment management group that manages assets in excess of N$5 billion.
Pointbreak said they were pleased to be sponsoring the swim again.
“The Pointbreak brand is about a zest for life, the pursuit of excellence, a team approach, an appreciation of our environment and a balanced lifestyle. We are proud of our association with Otb Sport in hosting the Pointbreak Open Water Swim, as we believe the event encapsulates all the elements of our brand.”
By Staff Reporter