A lot of people might be familiar with snorkeling, but what about bog snorkeling? Have you heard about that sport? Bog Snorkelling is a sporting event where competitors aim to complete two consecutive lengths of a 55 meters water-filled trench cut through a peat bog in the shortest time possible, wearing a traditional snorkel, diving mask, and flippers. Sometimes, to add to the silliness, an additional rule is that they are not allowed to use any traditional swimming strokes, so thrashing, wiggling, and splashing are the only eligible ways to race to the finish.
Every Summer, Llanwrtyd Wells in South Wales, the smallest town in Britain, plays host to the annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships. The sport itself first originated in1976, but the competition was first held in 1985 and takes place every August Bank Holiday, a national public holiday in the UK, Republic of Ireland, and the Crown dependencies. Once you have mastered the art of bog snorkeling, you can progress to the more advanced contest of mountain bike bog snorkeling. Contestants ride specially made bikes with lead and water inside the wheels. The bikes are ridden underwater along a six-foot trench cut into the peat bog. The world record stands at under a minute.
There’s a choice of options if you fancy competing for one of the most prestigious titles in international sport. There’s the grueling Bog Triathlon, which starts with an 8-mile run, followed by a 12-mile mountain bike ride, and ends with a length of the 60 meters bog trench. There’s also a bit-size version which features a 3-mile run and 6-mile ride, plus the obligatory dip in the bog, which is ideal for younger and less hardened competitors.
However, for those less inclined to take the plunge, there’s the option to simply enjoy the fun with a local ale, while watching other people get stinky.
Sources:
https://www.visitwales.com/things-do/events/sport/can-you-beat-bog
https://www.pilotguides.com/articles/bog-snorkelling-in-wales/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bog_snorkelling
Pict sources:
https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article15077487.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/0_CDF_260818_CF_Bog_Snorkelling_021JPG.jpg