The format which divides the 33.3km in to 5 -7 swims over 4 days of competition does have daily time cutoffs based on 2km per hour endurance pace - but does not require you to have done more than one 5km previous open water swim. You should be able to swim 2.5km in a one hour ‘time trial’ in a pool. Swimmers not making any particular swim cutoff will of course still be able to complete the week - even if they may want to return again to earn the coveted 33.3 badge of honour!

An UltraSwim is a new category of open water event, defined as a multi-day timed swim challenge, with a total distance of at least 33.3km - the theoretical shortest distance of the famous English Channel crossing from Dover to Calais. With 5 to 7 swims, mostly timed but some un-timed sections, over 4 days it is tough enough to push swimmers out of their comfort zone, but accessible enough for any competent open water swimmer. As a swimmer you should expect to be extended physically and mentally by the multi-day format, but you will finish strong and confident - and be rewarded with the UltraSwim 33.3® badge of honour! The event includes multiple swim distances and formats with the 4 days event period, on a point to point course in varied open water conditions, supported by a host of professional services, from a premium base. Includes a 10km marathon swim, a sunset/night swim ‘taster’, and both fjord and open water legs. Some days its one straight swim, others its split in to 2 legs. And the weather has the final say, so expect the unexpected, and plans A, B and C each day…but always with the intention of hitting the 33.3km objective! And yes, its a race - but one in which every finisher is a winner!

Over 4 days you will swim at least 33.3 km. Our course includes shorter and longer swims with a 10km 'marathon' day. The course is set up as a point to point so we aim, weather permitting, to begin the next day where we left off, joining the restart point usually by boat. If you have swum a 5K open water race and train at least a few times per week you should be good to go.

The final course will depend on the weather conditions, sea state etc - but to give you an example, during our test event in Montenegro we did -

D1 - 4km + 5km (2nd breakfast between the two!)

D2 - 7.5km (expected longer, but too many waves…)

D3 - 10.5km (extra bit to make up for D2 shorter swim, to ensure total of 33.3)

D4 - 6.3km (ditto - and was also against an un-forecast current making it a very tough day, tougher than was planned!).

In addition to transfer boats, which will remain with the swimmers, significant numbers of kayaks/SUP will paddle alongside the swimmers and be at key turning points (and sometimes marked by buoys). You should usually be able to see a kayak ahead or behind you, most of the time. In addition there will be a Race Director RIB and a dedicated Medical support boat. Your safety will be the paramount consideration throughout the event.

In terms of nutrition, any swim longer than 5km will have at least one feed station with a variety of fresh food and liquids. You are however encouraged to be as independent as possible regarding energy gels which should be carried in your costume/wetsuit or in the provided tow float/swim buoy.

Our professional coach is available to discuss your pre-event training and a specific training plan is being put in place to assist you in your preparations, and will be available during the event to support you - as will we all! Whilst of course there will be some racing to be first, most swimmers will be simply aiming to finish, maybe pushing themselves against their nearest competitor - but the last one to cross the finishing line each day will be just as much as winner as the first.

Nothing required other than your own assessment that you are up to a swimming event where you will swim 33.3 kms over 4 days. With plenty of rest and good food and camaraderie in between.

Our swimming course doesn’t normally oblige a wetsuit (although they are permitted). You can start the event in skins and then decide to switch to a wetsuit if you prefer - but you will then be ranked overall in the wetsuit category. If you start in a wetsuit, whilst you could opt to swim in skins later on, you will remain in the wetsuit category from a ranking point of view.

Starts are generally shortly after sunrise with a boat transfer to the start point (normally where you finished the previous day). The format which divides the 33.3km in to 6 or 7 swims over 4 days of competition entails swims of 1-2 hours up to 4-5 hours. After the swim we have lunch and a leisurely afternoon for rest and sightseeing and optional coaching (on Ultra+ package) and massage.

Each evening there will be a short briefing for the following day, and additional evening activities will be available for those who would like join, such as meals out in local restaurants hosted by UltraSwim 33.3® ambassadors and our Team (this is not included in the package - so meal costs and transfers will need to be covered).

That is up to you of course but if you swim several times per week in a pool try to get in a few open water swims in the weeks leading up to the event. If you have not swum much over 5K getting in a 2 hour swim prior to the event will build your confidence.

Follow other swimmers competing at UltraSwim 33.3 via our Strava club.

You will be provided with a complete travel guide prior to our events. You will need to arrive the day before the first day of your chosen event, as we start early! For any further information regarding travel once you have signed up and filled out our travel information form, you can contact us via email.

UltraSwim 33.3 Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to join the event in 2024 the following options are available to you.

Cancellations up to 62 days prior to the start of the event::

1 - Rollover your entry to another UltraSwim 33.3 event in the current or following calendar year (only), with any difference in equivalent published package price to be paid on top at the time of cancellation to guarantee rollover.

And

2 - Any extra nights at official event hotel(s) will be refundable in full.

OR

2 - A refund of 90% on the Entry Payment and any extra hotel nights booked through us.

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Cancellations less than 62 days before, but more than 42 days before the first day of the event:

1 - Rollover your entry to another UltraSwim 33.3 event in the current or following calendar year (only), with any difference in equivalent published package price to be paid on top at the time of cancellation to guarantee rollover.

And

2 - Any extra nights or additional services shall be refunded less 20% of the total due.

OR

2 - A refund of 75% on the Entry Payment and any extra hotel nights or services booked through us.

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Cancellations 42 days or less, but more than 21 days, before the first day of the event:

1 - Rollover your entry to another UltraSwim 33.3 event in the current or following calendar year, with any difference in published package price to be paid on top.

OR

2 - A refund of 50% on the Entry Payment and any extra hotel nights or services booked through us.

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Cancellations 21 days or less before the first day of the event or no show:

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Cancellation of an UltraSwim 33.3 event:

A refund of 25% on the Entry Payment only (extra nights cannot be refunded within 21 days).

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At any time up to 2 days before the event:

You may find a suitable replacement for yourself, according to C2.2 found in our full booking terms .

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In the unlikely event we need to cancel your event we will tell you as soon as possible. If we have to cancel your event we will provide you with two alternatives:

1 - “Rollover” your entry to another UltraSwim 33.3 event in the current or following calendar year, with no increase to your Entry and package cost.

OR

2 - A refund on the Entry Payment less 10% charge for admin and bank charges, and value of services provided prior to the event.as above

Cancellations must be made by sending an email to info@ultraswim333.com

Full T&C’s can be viewed HERE

ULTRA SWIM 33.3 recommends that you take out personal accident insurance to protect yourself against any personal injury you may suffer.

To protect yourself from the unexpected and the accidental.

Besafe insurance is only for European resident; UK and Switzerland are excluded. The link can be found HERE