On Friday 26 December 2025, Prague's Vltava River beside Slovanský Island will host the 79th Alfred Nikodém Memorial, a celebration for winter swimmers. The race is organised by I. plavecký klub otužilců Praha.
The setting alone makes it an extraordinary occasion. You swim out from Slovanský Island, past Legií Bridge and back towards the National Theatre, with enthusiastic supporters lining the bank. Afterwards, you can warm up with a run along the Vltava embankment. There are also excellent heated facilities in Žofín Palace.
The distances are 100, 300 and 750 metres. Registration with the Czech Swimming Federation (ČSPS) is not required for the first two.
Only swimming caps are permitted; woolly hats and other headwear are not allowed. Swimming shoes are recommended; anyone swimming without them does so at their own risk. Non-members of ČSPS may compete only with the race director's permission and must register sufficiently far in advance for their readiness to be assessed. They must also present a medical certificate confirming their fitness for winter swimming, issued no more than one year earlier.
Entries must be submitted by 22 December 2024.
I can confirm readiness for the race for swimmers who complete a trial swim with us at U Žida in the Ostravice in water at 4°C or below. In addition to that confirmation, you will need a medical assessment of your fitness for winter swimming, no more than 12 months old on race day. The assessment must be recorded on the prescribed form, available to download below.
I recommend taking part to anyone who enjoys winter swimming. It really is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
For more information or any further questions, call me: Ota Zemek, +420 792 349 539.