3 races
Event overview
The English Riviera Swims are getting more popular every year. As part of the English Riviera Triathlon here's a chance to do a 3000m, 1500m or 750m swim in the warm and sheltered waters of Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay - whether it's your first or fiftieth sea swim.
Highlights
- Take on a 750m, 1500m or 3000m sea swim at Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay
- Swim in clear, high-quality waters rated excellent by the Environment Agency
- Experience the stunning English Riviera coastline from a unique perspective
- Choose between wetsuit or ‘skins’ swimming – both options welcome
- Ideal for first-time open water swimmers and experienced competitors alike
- Part of the exciting English Riviera Triathlon weekend atmosphere
Event photos
Event video
- All fitness levels
- Average fitness
- Families
- Spectators
Kit requirements
Just a swim suit and goggles.
- Swimsuit and goggles are essential
- Wetsuits are optional but recommended for first-time open water swimmers
- Wetsuits help with warmth and provide extra buoyancy
- Short or sleeveless wetsuits are also permitted
- ‘Skins’ swimmers (without wetsuits) must use a tow-float for safety
- Coast
- Paid parking
- Toilets
Event HQ
Torre Abbey Sands
Torbay Road
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 5NE
UK
The beach has an excellent water safety record and is right in the heart of Torquay with plenty of parking and accommodation options nearby.
Thank you so much for a fantastic event. It was so well organised and so friendly. Really enjoyed the day. Thank you. Natalie P
Very well organised and it all ran on time. Detailed and fun briefing - easily understood. Felt very safe in the water with the lifeguards. Brilliant prizes for podium finishes too! Friendly, fun and unforgettable. Isabella W
Great event, well organised, thanks so much! Oscar G
A lovely, friendly event - well organised and calm, with lovely organisers, Marshalls and on-water support. Highly recommended!! Cat W
Well organised and great atmosphere. Karen S
Amazing course and support, everything was top-notch. Can’t wait to race again next year! Mark F
Really good race and atmosphere especially with all the other races on. Really well organised and I would definitely do it again. James B
Such a friendly and fun event! Highly recommended! Cat W
Excellent sea swim. Easy to understand instructions and navigation of course. Easy and friendly staff on registration desk. Probably need a more secure bag drop area with a person in charge. Nice touch with the beanie present at the end instead of a t shirt. Martin C
Team was great. Well organised and well done. Thank you very much. Harry A
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
- Recycling
- Sustainability policy
- Trees not tees
Sportiva Events is doing its best to minimise the environmental impact of this event. Here are a few of their initiatives:
Sustainability
Trees not tees
For all events which include a t-shirt, there is the option to plant a tree instead through a partnership with Treesnottees
Avoid single-use plastics
New paper cups have been sourced to be fully recycled back into high-grade paper.
Optional medals
Lots of competitors are not interested in finishers' medals so they are now optional. A £2 charity donation is made for every medal not selected.
Swim hats on request
Swim hats are provided for open water swimming events as they help the water safety teams keep track of swimmers. However for all pool events, swim hats are now on request to reduce wastage.
Reuseable zip ties and recycling
Reusable zip ties are used and all rubbish is sorted for recycling after the event.
Reducing car use
At the Burrator 10K running race those who commit to walking or cycling to the event get £5 discount.