Mini Challenge 2009

Photo: Terje Eggum

What: 400 metre crossing of the beautiful Esefjord, for swimmers of all ages.

Where: Esefjord ("Easy fjord"), Balestrand, Norway

When: 9 August 2009
Registration report time: 09:00 hours - 10:30 hours
Start time: between 12 noon and 15:00 (see instructions below).

Classes: There are seven age groups.

• Sea urchins: 8-11 years (must swim with a parent or guardian)
• Starfish: 12-15 years (must have consent from a guardian to participate)
• Wild salmon: 16-24 years
• Wolf fish: 25-34 years
• Porpoises: 35-49 years
• Whales: 50-69 years
• Walruses: 70+ years

Fjord safety and instructions:

Safety is our top priority; therefore all participants must be competent swimmers. Swimmers should wear swimming costumes, swimming caps (provided in swim pack) and swimming goggles. Wetsuits are permitted. Kayaks and safety personnel in escort boats will be on hand at all times.

Sognefjord Swim Festival is covered by an event insurance, however all participants in the Mini Challenge must ensure that they have their own personal insurance cover.

Meeting time: Each class is given a specified meeting time, get ready time and start time. Swimmers must meet at the meeting point to be transported over the fjord by boat at the time specified on their swim card. Take your swim card with you.

Get-ready time: Having been transported over the fjord by boat to Tjugum, swimmers will get ready there by changing their clothes, and putting them into plastic clothes bags provided. Mark your bag by attaching your swim card to it. All plastic clothes bags will be transported back to Holmen, ready to collect after you have finished your swim.

Swimming time: Officials will tell you when to start swimming. Jump in and enjoy! Swim across the fjord as quickly and safely as possible. Follow the course indicated by the markers stretched across the fjord until you get to the quay at Holmen.

When swimming, if you feel unwell, you should withdraw from the swim. Signal to safety personnel in any of the kayaks or escort boats that you want to get out. If you can, make your way to the safety rope stretched across the fjord and wait until a safety boat picks you up.

On finishing your swim, you should collect your clothes bag and get changed as quickly as possible.

Participation fees:

• NOK 150: online registration www.fjordswim.no
• NOK 200: manual registration at Balestrand tourist office
• NOK 250: on the day registration

Registration:

Sign up at the Balestrand tourist office in Holmen, Balestrand this week. Opening times Monday- Friday: 7:30 - 18:00. Or register on the day at the following times: 9:00 - 10:30 hrs outside the Balestrand tourist office, Balestrand

On the day registrations may be made between 9:00-10:30 am Sunday 9th August 2009, in front of the Balestrand tourist information office Holmen, Balestrand.