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Snorkelling is usually associated with sunny climates,
clear blue waters, and exotic fish. Wales may not have
any of these but they are proud to offer the next best thing
- muddy bogs! The British are known for being slightly
eccentric and this is event exemplifies this reputation.
What is bog snorkelling?
The aim of the game is to complete two lengths of the 60-foot
cold and murky bog in the shortest time possible. Competitors
are kitted out in snorkels, masks and flippers (wetsuits are
optional but advised!) and to add to the silliness, an additional
rule is that they are not allowed to use any traditional swimming
strokes, so thrashing, wiggling, and splashing are the only
eligible ways to race to the finish.
Bog Snorkelling Festival
Every summer, Llanwrtyd Wells, the smallest town in
Britain (population: 601), plays host to the annual World
Bog Snorkelling Championships. The world record is 1 minute
35 seconds and if you think you can beat it then head down
to South Wales on August Bank Holiday weekend (last Monday
in August) and join the other 150 competitors vying for the
title.
Once you have mastered the art of bog snorkelling, you can
progress to the more advanced contest of mountain bike
bog snorkelling. Contestants ride specially made bikes
with lead and water inside the wheels. The bikes are ridden
underwater along a six-foot trench cut into the peat bog.
The world record stands at under a minute.
Or alternatively, if you are feeling particularly energetic,
you can take part in an event which held its first World Championships
in 2005 - the bog triathlon. Running, cycling, and
snorkelling - all in one race and all in the bog. Llanwrtyd
Wells is in South Wales, three-and-a-half hours by train from
Cardiff. |
