1SOMS
1SOMS is a monthly timed open water swim series in Clifton Bay in Cape Town, South Africa. It is designed as a novice and intermediate level swim and caters for most levels of swimmers. The lifesavers in the water during 1SOMS are sourced from the local Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club.
1SOMS stands for the 1st Sunday of Month Swim ("1SOMS") in Cape Town, South Africa. Swims take place every month except for May because the Freedom Day Swim is too close to prevent a clash. When January 1st is a Sunday, the Clifton Cold Water Mile takes precedence and the timetable is shifted to 11:00-11h50 registration ,12 o’clock briefing and 12h15 start.
1SOMS started in 2006 with 5 participants and has grown to 157 participating in the 1SOMS in March 2011 with expectations that the number of registered swimmers will exceed 1,000 in 2011.
1SOMS is a monthly timed open water swim in Clifton Bay in Cape Town, South Africa. It is designed as a novice and intermediate level swim and caters for most levels of swimmers. The lifesavers in the water during 1SOMS are sourced from the local Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club.
Swim Details[edit]
The 1SOMS website has information and an entry form for download. The website also has a results tab that includes race reports, photos, news blog and a Facebook fan page link.
Location: 4th Beach Clifton
Registration: Opens 8:15~8:50 am (9:15~9:50 in June, July and August)
Swim Briefing: 9:00 am (10:00 in June, July and August)
Start for Hares: 9:15 am (10:15 am in June, July and August)
Start for Hounds: 9:20 am (10:20 in June, July and August)
Recommendation: Use goggles and brightly colored silicon swim caps
Distance: 1SOMS Mile or 1.6K
Miscellaneous[edit]
1. Wetsuits are recorded as a separate category on the results. 2. The course is out-and-back, all within 200 meters of the shoreline 3. An alternative course is available when there are adverse water conditions such as large swells or strong winds. 4. The swim takes place provided there are at least three swimmers. 5. The water temperature is typically 10-14°C with potentially a 2°C differential above or below in extreme conditions.
Race Organizer[edit]
The race organizer is Warren Fialkov who has been around water all his life, mainly in the sea environment through the Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club. He has also contested for the North Bondi Lifesaving Club and visited various lifesaving establishments worldwide.
Hares vs Hounds[edit]
The format is used is called Hares and Hounds. Newcomers and swimmers in for social interaction are set off first. The Hounds are the racers, chasers, triathletes and squad level swimmers who are set off 5 minutes later. This makes for a more enjoyable swim experience and increases safer. It also seems to speed up the Hares because once they are caught by Hounds, they tend to be revitalized to race.
Entry Fee[edit]
R40.00
Maximum Limit[edit]
The cap per race is 250 swimmers to keep it safe and enjoyable.
