Dear fellow cold-water swimmers,
Those of you who have shared a winter or two with us already know how we round off the season. Here is a refresher — it has been a year, after all. Our newcomers can find out what to expect, why and how we do it, how to get involved and why they should come.
First and foremost: our end-of-season gathering is more than just a duathlon. It is a social occasion for those of us who meet through the winter in Frýdek-Místek and Frýdlant nad Ostravicí. Often we barely have time to say hello before rushing off again, and sometimes we do not even know each other's names. Some of us also meet for runs and trips, but most simply walk, run or drive down to the water and then hurry away.
At this gathering, plenty of people will finally get properly introduced — not everybody is on Facebook, for instance. We will have something to eat as we chat. Eating and talking: not too demanding a programme. And to give it a little purpose, we will get the race ready together as part of the event.
If you do not already have a race-related job, come along at nine. We may find you something to do — there is always something — or you can simply watch, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the fact that we have all made it through the winter in good health.
The race starts at ten, and believe me, that hour will flow past faster than the river. Here is the first change from our usual routine: the group swim is AFTER the race, not at nine. It almost certainly will not be warm enough to make it pleasant to swim first and then stand around waiting for the race, cheering people on and wondering whether to give it a go next year.
A little about the race
In the first year, the run was a long route upstream, practically the same one we now run after swimming. For some, it was too long, and for spectators it was dull. In the second year, we used the route shown in the video: around the park — or perhaps woodland park? — going out beside the cycle path and back upstream along the river. Last year, flood damage left the riverbank inaccessible, and the Odra river authority would not allow us to run along it. This year we have permission, so I hope you enjoy it.
Photo gallery
We keep the rules simple, and they have never caused a problem. The main thing is to follow the marked running route, then swim across the river, slap the stone bank with your hand and swim back. Put your numbered T-shirt back on and run again. Unlike last year, there is no need to change your swimwear — nobody will be cold.
Bring your children along for a run too. We know they love medals, so there will be one for every child again. We have room for 30 children: the first to arrive and collect a number get to run. Children love prizes too, and the raffle will be well stocked, so there should be something for everyone. Let us make their day.
If anything at all is unclear, write, call or ask.
See you by the water 
