#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. At the end of July, Norilsk will host an extreme cold open water swim X-WATERS Yenisey 2023. At this time, the water temperature on the surface of the polar Yenisey river is usually around +10 degrees Celsius.
The Norilsk Development Agency said that athletes will be able to choose three distances: 100, 500 meters and 3 kilometers. Competitions will be held in Dudinka, near the passenger pier.
The distance of 100 meters downstream is a fast competitive start that does not require the athlete to have a wetsuit. A 500 m downstream swim is a good option for swimmers of all levels who can survive 5-10 minutes in ten degree water.
The 3 km distance is an extreme category for experienced swimmers with above-average cold endurance. Athletes at this distance must have a wetsuit and a neoprene helmet.
Swimmers have been preparing for the swim for several months – four training sets. Everyone is invited to the qualifying swim, even those who have not attended lectures and have not been to the classes of leading coaches. The only condition is the ability to swim and having enough strength.
Based on the results of the qualifying swim, a team of 30 strongest swimmers from Norilsk and Dudinka will be formed, who will be part of the Taimyr team. Anyone can join the team members. To do this, you have to register for X-WATERS Yenisey.
Recall that in 2021 and 2022 open water swimming competitions were held on lake Lama. The X-WATERS Plateau Putorana project helped raise awareness of the area’s tourism potential and popularize cold swimming as a sport. This year, due to the change in location to a more accessible one, the swim promises to be more massive, including through the presence of support groups for athletes.
X-WATERS swims in Taimyr are organized by the Norilsk Development Agency together with the administration of the Taimyr municipal district and Business Culture LLC with the support of Norilsk Nickel.
Earlier, the Norilsk resident brought five awards from federal competitions in cold swimming, and the swimming camp on lake Lama won the Grand Prix of a prestigious tourist award, becoming the best sports route.
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Text: Angelica Stepanova, Photo: Denis Kozhevnikov and Nikolay Shchipko
