Swimmers and water walkers are set for the final event in the Camana Bay Aquatic Club beginner-friendly Open Water Swim Series this weekend.
On Saturday, the concluding event will start with a 200 metres Lollipop Dash, followed by a more challenging 800m sea swim and 800m water walk.
The second event in the series took place on Saturday and saw more than 80 participants.
“The series has been great for everyone,” said club assistant coach Jessica Siegele. “It’s been nice to see returning faces in open water swimming, but it’s fantastic to see a lot of new faces, too.”
Novice open water swimmers Emma Thomas and Nicola Williams took part in the water walk for the first time.
“Both Emma and Nicola felt comfortable swimming in the pool but uncomfortable in the ocean, so they decided to try the Water Walk to build confidence for the Flowers One Mile Sea Swim in June,” said Camana Bay Aquatic Club assistant coach Dave Bott, who paddled in a kayak next to the swimmers.
“The 600m distance was further than they had expected, however, the ladies had a great time and enjoyed chatting about other swimming opportunities on island, like our new adult swim programme and the Camana Bay Aquatic Club Swim School.
“This is what the series is all about – encouraging less confident swimmers to come out and have fun, try a new sport and gain experience in the water.”
The club team was joined by Special Olympics Cayman Islands athlete Kanza Bodden, 15, who took part in the 600m Sea Swim.
Despite being a confident swimmer herself, club member Lois Moody, 16, swam side by side with Bodden throughout the course.
“Lois is one of our age group development swimmers – one the club’s top swim groups – and could have easily completed the distance in a much faster time,” Siegele said. “However, the open water series is a noncompetitive event.
“Lois volunteers at the Special Olympics Cayman Islands swim sessions, held every Saturday at the Camana Bay pool, so instead opted to swim with Kanza to encourage and help her through the long-distance course.”
The series has allowed many swimmers to build open water confidence in a friendly environment, while giving others an opportunity to test the waters of competitive swimming.
“All our events are open to all swimmers of all ages and abilities,” Siegele said. “They’re a great way for the community to come together and enjoy one of our most beautiful resources here in Cayman. We are looking forward to Saturday’s event – and hope to see even more swimmers and walkers take to the water.”
The club is also looking forward to hosting a special guest this week – Great Britain Paralympic swimmer Emma Hollis.
She made her Paralympic debut at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, where she competed in three events despite an ankle injury.
Hollis, 21, and her younger brother, James, have osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition more commonly known as “brittle bone disease”.
Both swimmers represented Great Britain in the Paralympics. Emma competed in the S8 class and James in S9. Hollis is also the current world record holder for S8 800m freestyle and S8 400m individual medley.
“We are honoured to host such an inspiring, top athlete at the Camana Bay Pool,” said club president Jeffrey Wight. “Emma’s pure passion and drive has enabled her to succeed in both her swimming and her studies at Loughborough University in the UK and she is a role model to all young athletes in the Cayman Islands.
“Her visit will be a great final morale boost for the seven club swimmers attending CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Kingston, Jamaica next week, as well as CBAC member Danielle Boothe, who will compete for Jamaica.”
Hollis, 21, will also join the club for the Open Water 800m Sea Swim at Governor’s Beach.
As the excitement builds for CARIFTA, Wight is confident that Cayman’s reps will fare well. “I’m sure they will do brilliantly. They have worked so hard and I wish them all the best of luck,” he said. “I’d also like to thank CBAC’s platinum sponsor, MaplesFS.
“Without their continued support our swimmers would not have been able to attend this exciting international meet.”
Registration for the Open Water Swim Series is $15 per individual race and all swimmers will receive a CBAC Swim Cap. Registration can be made at the event from 2pm or online at www.caymanactive.com
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