Open Water Swims outside the US

Where was the event held? Vansbro, Sweden (1500m friday night, 1000m sat morning (a womens and a mixed), and 3km on sunday) this year is the 10-12 July. ( i beleive the 3km always starts on the second sunday in July) What were the political conditions like in the host country? similar to the US, but socialist What were the economic conditions like in the host country? the dollar is strong here, but stable Was the event well-run very well run Was the event safe very safe, in a river with about 20-40 boats in the water and staff along the edge for the last 900m Did you feel you got a good return on your investment of time and money? I live Would you do this event again? I went first in 2007, back last year and will go every year I can What are the best memories of this event? the number of participants. over 3000 on sundays 3km What were the water conditions like? down stream 2km, upstream 1km about 60-65F What extras did the organizer provide that added value to the event? participation medal and dinner after What were the distances of the swims? 1500, 1000, 3000 (even a 5km friday night 2008 & 2009) Was getting to and from the event a hassle? drove, its a good drive from the nearest big city airport How easy/difficult was it to get to the host country? fly to Copenhagen, Denmark; Gothenberg, Sweden or Stockholm Sweden I live in sweden, and this is the biggest OW event of the year. over 8000 participate in the races over the 3 days. but you need to book a hotel, hostel, or cabin in advance, otherwise you wind up living over an hour from the race. I'll be signing up for the 5km friday, 1000 sat and 3km on sunday. hoping to get a room or cabin from thursday through sunday. Also did the Christianborgrundt in Copenhagen, mid/late aug. 1900m around the state building. channel swims / salt water. lots of fun too.

Where was the event held? Vansbro, Sweden (1500m friday night, 1000m sat morning (a womens and a mixed), and 3km on sunday) this year is the 10-12 July. ( i beleive the 3km always starts on the second sunday in July) What were the political conditions like in the host country? similar to the US, but socialist What were the economic conditions like in the host country? the dollar is strong here, but stable Was the event well-run very well run Was the event safe very safe, in a river with about 20-40 boats in the water and staff along the edge for the last 900m Did you feel you got a good return on your investment of time and money? I live Would you do this event again? I went first in 2007, back last year and will go every year I can What are the best memories of this event? the number of participants. over 3000 on sundays 3km What were the water conditions like? down stream 2km, upstream 1km about 60-65F What extras did the organizer provide that added value to the event? participation medal and dinner after What were the distances of the swims? 1500, 1000, 3000 (even a 5km friday night 2008 & 2009) Was getting to and from the event a hassle? drove, its a good drive from the nearest big city airport How easy/difficult was it to get to the host country? fly to Copenhagen, Denmark; Gothenberg, Sweden or Stockholm Sweden I live in sweden, and this is the biggest OW event of the year. over 8000 participate in the races over the 3 days. but you need to book a hotel, hostel, or cabin in advance, otherwise you wind up living over an hour from the race. I'll be signing up for the 5km friday, 1000 sat and 3km on sunday. hoping to get a room or cabin from thursday through sunday. Also did the Christianborgrundt in Copenhagen, mid/late aug. 1900m around the state building. channel swims / salt water. lots of fun too.