NOTHING CLEARS YOUR HEAD LIKE A DIP IN THE OCEAN
NINE years ago local swimmer Shane O’Doherty launched a swimming race called the Metalman with just 15 swimmers.
Today that same series has grown to become the biggest swimming event in Connacht with 280 hardy souls signed up to take part this Summer.
Shane says: “The Metalman is a non for profit swim in the North West. It has just grown over the years on its reputation and the social element attached to it. People train together and some enter in groups. It is also low cost and good value for swimmers at € 35 for three races. A commercial race would cost in the region of € 45 for just one race.”
The camaraderie and venue for the Metalman are also big selling points. As Shane explains: “Rosses Point Beach and Mullaghmore are amazing places to visit and swim. The scenery is spectacular. Who wouldn’t enjoy swimming in these surroundings.”
So who can enter the Metalman? Shane says any capable swimmer should be well equipped to take on the various challenges from 1k sprints to 2k distance races.
“It is open to beginners through to advance. Once you are able to swim you are eligible to enter.
“Every year we donate € 1000 to Sligo Civil Defence and Sligo Kayak club, both voluntary organisations.”
Shane is proud of how the well organised event has taken on a life of his own. And as an open water enthusiast he is not surprised that more and more people are turning to outdoor swimming.
“It is refreshing. It clears your head after a day in work like nothing else. No matter what you are thinking about during the day, once you get into the sea, you are in the moment.”
The open water season begins in earnest in May when those in training for events leave the four walls of the pool to test the waters outside.
It is also a good opportunity to meet other swimmers. Crucially Shane advises that open water swimming should not be done alone. “The most important thing to remember is to never swim alone. And swim parallel to the shore in chest deep water, that way if you get a cramp or need to stop, you can at least stand up,” he says.
There is a calender of events during the Summer in the North West including the Metalman series on Saturday, 3rd and 10th June and July 1st; the Glencar Swim on Saturday, 16th September; The Channel Cup along the prom in Rosses Point on Saturday June 24th and the Lough Gill 10k and relay race on Saturday 12th August.
There is also a night swimming event at a date yet to be announced in September which is now in its third year.