Go Swim- A Participants View
Go Swim Events in Scotland – A Review
I’ve been swimming since I was little and have been a swimming coach for over 20 years. I’m currently a coach for the Glasgow Triathlon Club in my spare time and swim regularly myself.
Since 2021, I’ve participated in the Go Swim events in Scotland, and I’d like to share my thoughts on these brilliant, fun and safe experiences
In my view, the Go Swim series of events in Scotland offer the perfect opportunity to embrace the thrill of swimming in some of the most stunning lochs in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a complete beginner, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s look into what I think makes these events so special.
Go Swim – getting better and better since 2019
The Go Swim events began with a single event at Loch Lomond in 2019. After a break in 2020, the series expanded in 2021 to include Loch Tay and Loch Morlich, and it has been growing ever since.
I’ve taken part in the Go Swim series since 2021, starting with the 3km swim at Loch Lomond and Loch Morlich. Over the years, I’ve challenged myself with various distances, including the 1,500m, 3km, and 5km swims.
Each year, the events seem to improve, with a strong focus on organisation and safety. The organisers are attentive to feedback and make enhancements every year. This commitment to excellence ensures a fantastic experience for all entrants.
Three Different Stunning Locations
Imagine swimming in the waters of Loch Tay, Loch Lomond, or Loch Morlich in late Summer, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the serene beauty of Scotland’s natural scenery with safety and support.
It’s truly spectacular and each location offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making every swim a new adventure.
The events at each location are a little bit different, bringing their own special bits to them. If I had a few words to describe them I’d say:
Loch Tay – choppy and fun,
Loch Lomond – sunny and well organised,
Loch Morlich – sandy beach and chilly waters.
I’ve taken part in Loch Tay twice and both years it was a bit choppy, but the safety teams, safety briefing and support is really encouraging. They really do a good job of looking after you.
Loch Lomond is the most well attended swim, and the of the years I did it the conditions were brilliant, but the sun was a bit bright. So mirrored goggles and an ability to breathe to both (or one or the other side) is helpful. Sometimes the weather might be bad, but the organisers plan for the weather and organise the event accordingly.
I like the beach and the event site at Loch Morlich, but as the event is a bit later in Summer and the water in the loch tends to be snowmelt from the mountains it tends to be a bit chillier. It’s still a fantastic swim in the series.
A Swim for Everyone
Having taken part in 10 Go Swim events now, I can tell you that they are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to swimmers of all abilities. From short 250m swims to challenging 10k marathons and aquathlons, there’s a distance that suits every level of experience.
Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into open water swimming for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro seeking your next big challenge. All different types of people take part, and I’ve seen many individual swimmers looked after and catered for their needs.
Memorable Experiences
Every Go Swim event is an adventure waiting to happen. From the excitement of the start to the exhilaration of crossing the finish line, each swim is filled with moments you’ll remember. Whether you’re swimming solo or with friends and family, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Community, Fun and Inclusivity
One of the best parts of participating in Go Swim events is the sense of community and camaraderie. You’ll be joining a diverse group of swimmers, all united by their love for the sport and the great outdoors. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, share experiences, and make lasting memories.
Plus, the supportive atmosphere ensures that everyone, from newbies to seasoned swimmers, feels welcome and encouraged. I’ve often met swimmers I’d met at previous events, and been able to take part with friends with plenty fun and laughter.
Here are some of the other reasons I recommend the Go Swim events:
- Safety and brilliant organisation – You can tell that the events are meticulously organised, from registration to getting your medal. The organisers ensure safety and enjoyment, with full land and water safety teams and everything you’d expect from this type of event.
- The courses, designed for safety – The courses are typically designed in loops, which enhances safety by keeping swimmers within a manageable area. Kayakers and safety boats are always on hand to assist if needed, and the safety briefings are clear and informative.
- Goodies and medals – Each year the goodies get better. This year you got a towel for each event. You also get a medal for each event, and this year you got a 4th medal (and a 10% sign up discount) if you did all three swims. Different coloured caps are also provided based on the distance you swim.
- Event village – The event village features various traders and activations creating a lively space where participants can explore and enjoy different offerings.
- Chip timing – Timing is managed by Thistle Timing, and results are typically available very quickly, often within a few hours of completing your event. You can search for your name and view your historical times and placings.
- Social media presence and informative emails – Go Swim maintains an active presence on social media platforms. I follow them on Facebook, where they share event build-up information and detailed event guides, which have been finely honed over the years.
- Event photos – Memories are captured by a professional photographer, and the photos are uploaded for free on their Facebook page, allowing participants to relive their experiences.
All of these elements collectively make the Go Swim events in Scotland a fantastic experience for swimmers of all levels.
Go Swim Events
Look out for next years Go Swim events which usually take place from mid August onwards and can be entered via their website
In 2024 the event dates were:
- Loch Tay: August 17, 2024
- Loch Lomond: August 31, 2024
- Loch Morlich: September 14, 2024
Look out for these events in 2025, and get ready to dive into an adventure you’ll never forget.
Get training, grab your wetsuit, take a deep breath, and join Go Swim for an incredible open water swimming experience with Go Swim Scotland. I’ll may be see you there!