‘The winner is the one who enjoys it the most.’ – Ian Thwaites, Founder of Level Water
And that’s exactly why we love Level Water events.
This past weekend, our co-founder Caitlin took part in the Bantham Boomerang - an unforgettable open water swim that’s as magical as it is manageable (with a bit of training), especially for first-timers. Unlike most swim events that are all about speed and finish times, the Boomerang is built around fun and freedom. You swim upstream with the tide, take in the stunning scenery of the River Avon, then ride the tide back downstream as it turns. It’s a swim that feels like an adventure, not a race.
The Joy of the Journey
Before the event began, Ian Thwaites gathered all 500 swimmers for a briefing that was as emotional as it was motivating. We wish we’d caught the whole thing on video - it was full of heart and made us feel a little teary. Ian reminded us that it’s not about being the fastest, it’s about enjoying the experience. His words set the tone for a day of swimming that felt joyful, inclusive, and connected to nature.
Why You Might Consider It For Your First Event
If you’re curious about open water swimming but not sure where to start, Bantham Boomerang is an amazing first event. If you go in the latest wave (where you will be swimming for the shortest amount of time) you will likely be swimming for approximately 90 mins - which may sound like forever to start with, but with some practice this is reachable. Here are some great reasons to consider it:
- You are assisted by the tide, so you can breaststroke, or even just bob along, for as much as you like - you don't have to swim a set distance, you just turn around when the tide does!
- The atmosphere is supportive, not competitive
- The focus is on adventure and fun and you’ll be surrounded by people who are there for the love of it
- You’re supporting a great cause just by showing up
- The water safety team are incredible - you are never more than 10m away from a lifeguard on a paddleboard at any time during the event
So whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or taking your first plunge, this is an event that welcomes you no matter your goal.
More Than Just a Swim
The Bantham Boomerang is also a powerful way to support a greater cause. Level Water are a charity dedicated to improving access to swimming lessons for children who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn. They currently fund 1500 1-to-1 swimming lessons for children with disabilities in the UK every week. That alone makes it a meaningful reason to get involved.
Full Circle
This was the first Level Water event Caitlin had been back at since the idea for Wilda began at the Dart10k in 2023. Coming full circle at the Boomerang felt pretty special - especially seeing a few bright Wilda wetsuits on the start line 👀. They added a pop of colour which totally resonated with the ethos of the day - a celebration of water, joy, community, and purpose. And it was the perfect reminder that it's all about enjoying every swim along the way.
