Race2Hermanus | An open water swim starting in the New Harbour
- BIKE RUN TRI
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The swim at R2H is in clean ocean salt water, where whales & dolphins play daily 🐳🐬🇿🇦👌🏽
Sea swims are always special – shifting currents, swell, marine life, visibility and temperature changes mean it’s never the same.
The R2H swim is mostly protected by the harbour wall, so no breaking waves, especially near the calm wet start just 50m from the slipway.
You’ll swim clockwise in a rectangle: out along the cliffs, across toward the harbour wall, then back alongside it.
Laps depend on conditions:
• Ultra: 2 x 1km
• Standard: 2 x 750m
• Sprint: 1 x 750m
(Plan B may adjust distances on the day)
We insist on a pre-start acclimation swim. It’s not easy after a snug night’s sleep, but it makes a massive difference – ask Wim Hoff.
A few short sprints and shoulder warmups, then relax before the start siren 🚨🔔🏁
Temps have ranged from 12.5–18°C, so prepare for cold. If you don’t have a wetsuit, contact Sailfish to rent or order (076 143 8844).
Advice for cold water:
• Wear a neoprene hoodie under your gifted R2H Buddyswim cap– a warm head is key
• Swim socks allowed if wetsuits are mandatory
• Add a layer under your suit for insulation
We don’t recommend changing in transition – you’ll warm up quickly on the bike.
If you struggle with cold, leave a hot drink in your T1 box.
We salute the sunrise before the Ultra starts at 07:30 – it’s magical. But swimming into the sun can make sighting tough, so bring darker or polarised goggles. There will be comfy, good value options for sale by Buddyswim/ Ocean Trade Supplies at Registration or pre order, if you only have pool goggles.
Seed yourself correctly to avoid congestion.
Feel the water, move with it, not against it – that’s your fastest, smoothest swim 🏊♀️🧘🏽♀️
