A Glorious Weekend: Bantham Swoosh & Boomerang 2025

21 Jul

A thousand memories were made at Bantham on 12th and 13th July 2025. On Saturday, 800 swimmers gathered in Aveton Gifford, zipped up each other’s wetsuits and waded into the river to be Swooshed down to Bantham Beach. On Sunday, 400 swimmers arrived directly to Bantham, strolled over the sand dunes and swooshed up the crystal-clear water of the Aune Estuary, to be Boomeranged back to the start line.

The sun gods had our back - from the moment the first volunteer stepped foot into the field at the start, till the last Boomeranger picked up their hot chocolate at the end.

The fundraising total from the weekend? A phenomenal £245,000 (so far). That’s the equivalent of over 16,000 swimming lessons for children with disabilities all over the UK.

Bantham is slowly becoming the spiritual home of Level Water. We swam here in April with our wonderful brand sponsors. We pop back every now and again for parish council meetings and to drop off gifts for our friends in the area. And this year, it really felt like we were coming home. We’re so lucky to be able to share our favourite river with so many swimmers.

Friday: Arrival and Glamping

On Friday, campers arrived with tents and campervans, ready for their big day. For the first time ever, 40 of our most committed fundraisers won a money-can’t-buytwo-night stay in fabulous bell-tent, glamping on the Bantham Estate (with flushing loos and warm showers too!). Entertainment, activities, and meals were all provided with the assistance of Vivobarefoot, to thank them for their passionate support of Level Water.

The Bantham Swoosh

There is something special about this swim.

It’s the perfect entry-level event for outdoor swimmers - 6km in distance but only 4km in effort thanks to the famous Swoosh, where the river narrows and carries you effortlessly to the finish line.

In Aveton Gifford, swimmers walked or bussed down from the parking fields, or clambered off coaches coming from Bantham. The sun began to rise, and the warmth on everyone’s backs mirrored the mood in the air - excited, electric.

Packs were collected from smiling volunteers. Wristbands and swim hats went on with the help of newfound friends. Laughter and chatter hummed into the morning sky. The briefing brought cheers - when swimmers were reminded that all profits and fundraising would go towards providing swimming for children with disabilities, and that “the winner is the one who enjoys it the most”.

Spectators set off on a 3.5km guided walk to Bantham, taking in the stunning scenery as they made their way to reunite with their swimmers.

Although they arrived as individuals, the swimmers moved as one. Feet stirred up the sediment, clouding the river, but stroke by stroke the true colour was revealed - clear, sandy, full of life. Jellyfish and crabs popped up along the way. And then, the rapids: the Swoosh. A surprise to some, a joy to all.

As the swoosh gave way to sand, giant pink festival flags signalled the finish. Hands reached out to help swimmers up the beach. Hugs, smiles, and tears of joy followed. At the top of the headland, each swimmer was handed their (rather beautiful) Bantham Swoosh towel. Back at the event village, hot chocolate, luggage reunions, and cheers were waiting.

The beach came alive as visitors joined the party. Food from Gastrobus, Aune Valley and World Food Wraps. Music by Laura Kate and Dave Harbottle. The campers from Friday made way for Saturday’s new arrivals - Boomerang-bound.

The Mini-swoosh

70 children entered the water while the last of the Swooshers made their way over the sand dunes. The mini-swoosh was open to 8-15 year olds, all accompanied by an adult. They registered in the event village and made their way to the slipway for a 1km swooshy-ride to the finish line. 16 of those children learned to swim with Level Water. Without the profits and fundraising from the outdoor swimming events, these children wouldn’t have equal access to swimming lessons. Many of them wouldn’t be active at all. Giving them the gift of swimming so that they can join us in this very same river is a privilege each year.

The Boomerang

This one is fast becoming a classic: for those who want something a bit different; less “times and distances” and more “experience, adventure and connection”. We learnt more about the Boomerang this year, and the people who choose it too.

At 3:30am on Sunday, volunteers gathered under headtorches - pinpricks of light in the early morning dark. As dawn broke, Boomerang swimmers began arriving to register. For some, it was as simple as rolling out of the campsite and crossing the car park.

By 6:20am, a sea of yellow hats filled the field. Level Water Founder Ian Thwaites stood atop a ladder to welcome everyone. The swimmers moved in three waves - a gentle stroll over the dunes, past the headland, and down to the beach.

Then a whole new thing - cheers and whoops erupted as they entered the water. That’s usually reserved for the end - but with the Swoosh pulling swimmers upstream, the start was electric. With the Boomerang, you Swoosh twice - once up, once back. There's a moment of stillness, just before the tide turns. A pause in time. A moment to connect with each other (“is this it? Shall we turn?”) Then, the river pulls you back with power and grace.

The smiles at the finish: Huge. The joy: Childlike. Bright pink volunteers helped swimmers out of the water, and over the bunting bridge to the finish line. Bright Boomerang towels were handed out at the headland, followed by hot chocolate and celebration in the village.

And then, as if on cue, clouds rolled in at 3pm to mark the end of a glorious weekend.

Thank You

Bantham Estate

Thank you for hosting us on your immaculate land and to all your staff for helping both in the planning and delivery of the event. We are deeply grateful to the Estate for their partnership. Together we are helping hundreds of people access the outdoors, get fit and build healthy habits. None of this is possible without your support.

Volunteers

Whether you were directing traffic, handing out hot chocolate, or cheering swimmers on, we see you and we thank you. Even the smallest jobs have the biggest impact. You are the lifeblood of this event.

Water Safety Crew

From the first toe dipped to the final sandy exit - you kept everyone safe with calm, competence and a whole lot of good vibes. We couldn’t do it without you.

Brand Partners

To Vivobarefoot, for their incredible support throughout the year, and generosity in gifting us their bell-tents, which became our very first fundraiser village, and to all the brands that support us year-round: Zone3, Red Equipment, SWANS, River Dart Hideaway, and SwimTrek - thank you for providing prizes, volunteers, and support across the board.

Parish Councils and Local Residents

Thank you to Aveton Gifford Parish Council and Thurlestone Parish Council for your continued help with planning and delivery.
And a massive thank you to the local residents - thank you for your patience and generosity. We are committed to refining and improving each year so the day runs smoothly for all, we appreciate all your support.

We can’t wait to do it all again next year.

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