Chapman rides the waves at South
West Regional open water!

Christopher Chapman (15) was the only Tigershark swimmer to brave the elements this year at the ASA South West Regional Open Water Age Group and Championship competition.

There was a good entry this year of 50 Swimmers in the 1.5km race aged between 12 and over 50. Clubs represented included Millfield, City of Cardiff, BOA, Soundwell, Jersey Tigers, Weymouth, Yeovil, Exmouth, East Dorset, Bracknell to name but a few.

The event was held in Weymouth but the weather conditions were not great, it was grey, overcast, cold and very windy. The sea conditions were also not so good it was “Choppy” and only 13 degrees though we are told that with the air conditions it would have felt a lot colder!

The swim was in a straight line a long a 750 meter course, round a buoy and back to the start/finish boat. It was swum approximately 40-50 meters off the shore and along the line of waves.

Supported by his Open Water Coach, Deb German, Chapman produced an outstanding swim and finished 3rd in his Age Group and also 3rd in the Championship behind swimmers from Millfield and Soundwell. These three swimmers led from the start and swam some distance ahead of the rest of the field.

Although he finished tired and in good spirits and despite needing the assistance of St John Ambulance to warm up afterwards, Chris is determined to swim again next year and also tackle the 3K race. On Wednesday Chris will take on the 3K Open Water event in the Wiltshire County competition at South Cerney.