Wild Dart Swim and Aquathlon

The Route

 

The Wild Dart Swim takes place on Saturday June 7th, 2025

Last year, we changed the format, so that swimmers could swim with the tide for the 5k, the whole way, getting out at Ashprington Point Field. As with previous years, you can enter the 2.5k or 5k swim, as well as a 15k aquathlon.

 

2.5k & 5k swim (Times TBC) respectively in two waves

 

The 5k swim covers a #GoWithTheFlow, one way only swim from Totnes to Ashprington Point Field, starting near the Dart-Totnes Rowing Club on Steamer Quay.

The 2.5k swimmers start at the same place in separate waves (according to your predicted finishing time) but exit at Sharpham. Aquathloners will also exit at Sharpham, then move to a nearby transition area, before running the three miles back to the rowing club, following the cycle path above the Dart.

Swimming alongside the tow path and the reed beds, which line the Sharpham side of the river and the rolling hills on the left, which wind along towards Stoke Gabriel. You will take your first snake bend here, as the river takes a turn towards Sharpham.

You will know you’re approaching the Sharpham North Quay when you pass our event buoy and will soon after, catch sight of the small pontoon on your right, which is the 2.5k finish.

 

Key facts

- The course suits road shoes.
- All normal swim run kit will be permitted, except for tow floats.
- Swimmers will be permitted to swim in their running shoes.

- We will take your clearly labelled drop bags to the transition area at Sharpham from registration.
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15k Aquathlon

 

The 15k aquathlon includes:

- The 5k swim to Ashprington Point and
- A 10k run run along the green lanes and quiet country lanes in Tuckenhay and Ashprington, finishing at Ashprington Point Field.
- All 5K swimmers will need to bring a drop back for the finish where changing cubicles will be erected in the finish field.

- You will have to walk the 2Km back to Ashprington, as there is no vehicular access to Ashprington Point Field. **However we are hoping to provide some form of mobile transport in 2025 in the form of tractor and trailer or quad bike and trailer if at all possible.**

Key facts:

- The course suits road shoes.
- All normal swim run kit will be permitted, except for tow floats.
- Swimmers will be permitted to swim in their running shoes.

- A transition point will be provided at Ashprington Point and transition gear taken there from registration.

Key facts:

- All normal swim run kit will be permitted, including tow floats.

- Swimmers will be permitted to swim in their running shoes.

NB: Times are subject to change but will be within an hour of times advertised. 

 

How will it work?

 

- There will be two start waves 
- Allocation to each wave will be based upon your event category and the number of swimmers in each race category.

Start times:

- The first 2.5k wave is due to start at approximately12 noon, with the second starting shortly after.
- Normally the first 5k swimmers finished in just over 1 hour 15 mins in to a slight tide and back with it. As this year will be completely with the tide, times should be a lot faster. The slowest swimmer took just over 2 hours in 2021. 2.5k swimmers and aquathlon entrants will leave their clothes/shoes in a colour coded & numbered bin bag, which will be taken to the transition area/finish at Sharpham. Aquathloner’s wetsuits will be transported back to the finish by bus.
- All 5K swimmers will need to bring a drop back for the finish where changing cubicles will be erected in the finish field.

- You may have to walk the 2Km back to Ashprington, as there is currently no vehicular access to Ashprington Point Field.

Safety measures

 

- There will be a team of safety kayakers, rescue boats and crews on hand throughout the swim.
- No one will be more than 200m from a safety vessel.
- We will be working closely with the safety team to ensure swimmers exit the slipway one at a time.
- 5k swimmers will not be permitted to exit at Sharpham, unless they are retiring.

- In the event of the water temperature falling below 11.9ºC, a reduced swim course will be considered.
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Wetsuits

 

We will be allowing participants to swim without wetsuits, if the temperature is above 14 degrees.

If the water temperature is above 22 degrees Celsius wetsuits will be banned. Competitors will be notified of this at registration and in advance of the event where possible.

When permitted to do so by the event crew swimmers will enter the water via the stairs. The event crew will use RFID chip timing to time each swimmer. Participants will be set off in two waves, which will be decided in conjunction with the harbourmaster’s office and the water safety team.

 

Registration, Post Swim and Kit

 

Registration will open at at the Riverside Cafe in Steamer Quay TQ9 5YS (3pm) or just outside. All swimmers will be able to collect their swim envelopes containing a wristband, timing chip and swim cap. We will walk you down to the start at the steps, half way to the rowing club.

All participants will be able to leave their kit at the start in an attended area at the rowing club. This year we will also encourage supporters to be on standby ready with warm garments.

For those of you who have built up an appetite, the Riverside Cafe will prepare food for you, either vegetarian or non vegetarian.

 

What’s Included:

 

- Chip timing
- Branded swim caps
- Full water safety coverage
- Prizes for all categories where sufficient numbers allow
- Transport to Totnes from Ashprington and Sharpham before and after the start (optional purchase)
- Change cubicles
- Finisher’s medals (optional- or a donation will be made to Friends Of The Dart)

Camping

 

Camping is available at Ashprington Point Field, which we have booked out for Friday and Saturday night  (see Accommodation Tab).

**If the event has to be cancelled due to poor water quality, we can offer full credits to another date, either in the same year or the following year.**