Bengalurean swimmers talk about more open water events in Karnataka.
Story so far: In the recently concluded 11th edition of the Goa Swimathon, Bengaluru’s swimmers prevailed over the 700 participants at Betalbatim beach in South Goa. The Bengalureans won with 50 podium finishes. The 2 km winner Ravish Rao believes organising such swimming events would benefit the Karnataka state.
- Participants reveal that swimming in open waters is starkly different from swimming in pools. The Bengalureans found it more challenging and satisfying to swim here.
- Elias Patel, the swimathon’s Director, mentioned that the organisers are looking for new locations for future editions of the swimming event. The prospective location needs to be clear of rip currents, submerged rocks, sandbars, and heavy marine traffic.
Why it matters? Mangaluru and Malpe in Karnataka host a handful of open-water swimming events. However, since the state is experiencing an uptick in collective interest in the sport, the events might prove too few and diminutive.
Problems: Swimming in open waters is considered challenging because one has to battle tides and currents while attempting to come out on top. Besides this, the water can be turbulent.