The Barbados Open Water Festival (BOWF) is back with a wave of activities, starting this Wednesday through Sunday. Swimmers of all levels will experience the crystal-clear waters of Barbados, competing at three breathtaking locations: Carlisle Bay, Miami Beach, and Batts Rock.
Since its inception in 2013, when it hosted just a single-day event with 1.5K and 5K races, the BOWF has grown exponentially. This year’s five-day festival welcomes both locals and international participants, offering three days of 2K practice swims, followed by two thrilling days of races in 1.5K, 3.3K, 5K, and 10K distance categories. To accommodate all skill levels, the festival also offers a 1.5K Just For Fun Swim—an inviting option for first-timers and those looking for a relaxed, non-competitive experience.
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Festival organizer Zary Evelyn shared his excitement, stating, “This year’s event, marking our 10th anniversary, is set to be the largest yet, with swimmers from over 20 countries.” Among the elite participants are three-time Canadian Olympian Steph Horner and 15 members of the Junior Canadian National Team, adding an impressive international flair to the event.
A highlight of the 2024 festival will be its lively beach party atmosphere, complete with live steel pan music, precise race timing by BFIT, redesigned commemorative finisher medals, and winner medals awarded across multiple age groups.
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The BOWF also contributes to the local economy, drawing visitors who typically stay for seven to 14 days, supporting hotels, restaurants, and local transportation. Kamal Springer, Sports Manager at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), emphasized the festival’s value, noting, “The BOWF offers an ideal platform to showcase Barbados’ beautiful coastal areas to the world. Carlisle Bay, for instance, is renowned as one of the world’s premier open water swim sites. With our spectacular waters and beaches, the potential for the event’s continued growth is strong.”
As a mainstay in Barbados’ sports tourism calendar, the BOWF has become a must-attend event for athletes worldwide. Following a brief hiatus during the pandemic from 2020-2022, the festival returned in 2023 with 845 participants—20% more than in 2019, marking its resurgence. Nearly 500 of those participants were international swimmers from 18 countries, accompanied by friends and family, and a similar growth rate is expected this year.
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Over its history, the BOWF has welcomed swimmers of all ages from over 35 countries, including regions as far-flung as Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and South Africa. Renowned open-water athletes, including Olympians, World Champions, and Pro-triathletes, have graced the event, which was recognized with a World Award nomination in 2017 and was featured as “The Holiday Swim” to attend in the latest edition of the UK’s Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.
Registration for the Barbados Open Water Festival is open, and excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of swimming and Barbadian hospitality.
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