The 2018 Lake Simcoe Open Water Swim is happening this weekend at Innisfil Beach and whether you’re a competitive swimmer or not, Canaqua Sports wants you to come check it out.
Formerly Celebrate Lake Simcoe, the Lake Simcoe Open Water Swim has been happening for the last four years and is a passion of the many that do it.
Ian Feldman is the president of Canaqua Sports and, while he oversees events from Sudbury, St Mary’s, Muskoka and even in the Welland Canal, he says that the Innisfil Beach competition is held very close to his heart.
“The Lake Simcoe event was the first one and without it we wouldn’t be doing this,” said Feldman. “Four years ago, we had about 12 people out for the swim and this year we’re already at 90 to 100. I am very proud of the event and how quickly it has grown in such a short time and very excited that 2018 saw the inclusion of races in British Columbia and Manitoba.”
Canaqua Sports is a leader in open-water swimming events where all you need is an open body of water and the desire to swim.
Feldman is a swimming coach from Thornhill and has coached all types of swimming events as well as been involved in races himself and says that while most open water swimmers are competitive, everyone should try it.
“Most swimmers in these things are involved with triathlons or other organized swims,” said Feldman. “But I would tell anyone who enjoys swimming in pools to get out and try the lake swim when they can; there is no better feeling than the freshness of the lake and of course the accomplishment of conquering something new.”
The event this weekend has three different distances with 1K, 3K and 5K being offered. The open lake swims are in the shape of a diamond and each level is the same course just with competitors having to complete extra laps as the kilometres increase. Feldman is hoping that anyone interested will come out and at least watch the swims and see what they’re all about and find out how you can get involved.
“I’ve been swimming since I was eight years old and at 57 years of age I have no desire to slow down,” said Feldman. “I want to help others see how great it is and get them started on the path to open water swimming. To me it is amazing to see folks get in the water for this sport for the first time and after doing it for a while, see them accomplish personal bests as they go along.”
The event takes place Saturday, July 21 at Innisfil Beach Park, located at 676 Innisfil Beach Rd., in Innisfil with races starting at 9 a.m.
Registration is closed for this year, but all are encouraged to come out and cheer on the competitors and ask questions as to how to get involved.
For more information on all the races across Ontario and Canada, head to http://canaquasports.com/.
