SwimBowen 2024

Saturday July 13th, 10:00am

  • Location: Tunstall Bay Beach

    The event takes place at Tunstall Bay on the west side of Bowen Island. Please note that the beach is a little rocky, so ensure you wear beach shoes to protect your feet! There is a public toilet at the top the beach trail, and more toilets available at the Tunstall Bay Clubhouse on the north side of the Beach via the ramp by the boat house. (Access to the Clubhouse is limited to bathroom use only). Registration package pick up tents will be set up on the north side of the beach next to the pier. Food, refreshments and the awards ceremony will also take place at the tents! NOTE: There are NO DOGS allowed on the beach during the month of July.

    Open Map

  • Courses: 1500m & 750m

    There is a 1500 metre and 750 metre course. Swimmers completing the 1500 metre distance will complete the 750 metre course 2 x through. Large, inflated sighting buoys will mark the route, and a sighting flag will be set up on the beach to ensure clear sight lines to the finish. The route will be well marshaled with paddle boarders, kayakers as well as rigid inflatables to ensure the best possible safety and cheering!

    Timing: We’ve got you covered! Swimmers will wear a chip (ankle or wrist) to record their swim time. Chips must be returned at the finish line to avoid a $75 charge.

    DEADLINE TO CHANGE EVENT AND/OR ESTIMATED SWIM TIME: THURSDAY JULY 11th @ 9am

    *Please note there is a 1 hour cut off for all registrants. Anyone still in the water at 11:00am will be assisted in by our water marshals.

    View Course Map

  • Schedule

    8:30am: Check-in begins for 750 & 1500 events
    9:30am: Check-in closes
    9:30-9:40am: Swimmer warm up (optional)
    9:45am: swimmer safety briefing (not optional:)
    9:55am: Swimmers to start line
    10:00am: 1500m start, self seeded

    10:05 750 m start self seeded
    10:15am: Food & Refreshment Table opens
    11:00am: Course closes
    11:15am - 11:45am: Awards & Draw Prizes
    12:00pm: Event closes

  • Water temperature & Equipment

    Average water temperature is between 16 - 18 degrees celsius on event day. It is up to you whether or not you choose to wear a wetsuit. Finish times will not distinguish between wetsuit/non wetsuit swimmers. SwimBowen swim caps are provided during check-in and must be worn for your swim.

    Check Today's Water Temperature

  • Event Safety

    Our team is very keen to provide the best possible event experience with all safety precautions in place. The swim routes are clearly marked with large, inflated buoys, and marshaled with paddleboarders, kayakers, and 2 power boats to ensure your experience is not only safe, but has loads of on water cheer leading! Swim fins are not allowed as they are a safety issue. Thanks for understanding!

  • Swag!

    Looking to replace your SwimBuddy or looking to make your first purchase? 50% of your $65 SwimBuddy purchase supports SwimBowen’s Cancer Care Fund! You may choose to add a SwimBuddy Touring Buoy during registration. Includes a free Cell Buddy (waterproof case for your phone). Swimbuddy’s will be available for pick up when you check in on event day. Please note that using your SwimBuddy for the event is not mandatory as we will have plenty of support marshals on the water ensuring your safety.

    Limited Edition Beach Towels!

    Thick, 100% Egyptian cotton full size (40”x70”) beach towels embroidered with the SwimBowen logo - gorgeous! Limited quantity. A portion of your $60 purchase supports the Cancer Care Fund. Add this gem to your registration order and pick up on event day!

Swimmer FAQs

  • At the swimmer Check In station you will receive a numbered swim cap and a chip timing strap to attach to your ankle. At the beach start line you will cross a "transponder" tape that will trigger your start time. When you finish at the beach, your finish time will be recorded once you cross the transponder . A volunteer will be there to remove your chip. Please ensure your chip is returned to avoid a $75 charge!

  • Wearing a wetsuit is a personal choice - you can decide based on your comfort level! The event does not distinguish between wetsuit and non wetsuit finishing times. Not sure? The water temperature at Tunstall Bay in mid July ranges between 16 - 18 degrees.

  • Tunstall Bay beach is a little rocky - however we have invested in a long entry/exit mat so your feet are protected - luxury! We also have a beach shoe gear check crate at the start line so you can drop off beach shoes before your swim and pick up on your finish!

  • Absolutely! The relatively short 1500 and 750 metre distances are in part designed to attract experienced pool swimmers to try the ocean experience. You will love it! That said, it’s a whole new ball game swimming in the ocean. Practicing your ocean swim prior to event day is crucial.

  • Yes - all swimmers must be finished within the 1 hour event finish time. Any participants still in the water will be assisted in by a water safety marshal. Thanks for your understanding on this!

  • Arriving on event day can be busy! Plan to arrive at least 45 min early for your desired sailing if you are driving on. If you are walking on, Horseshoe Bay parking will be very busy too! Leave lots of time - or better yet carpool or hop on the #257 Horseshoe Bay Express bus.

  • We sure do! We have gone all Uptown now have chip timing available for both the 1500 and 750 events. Times will be available to upload via a QR code shortly after the event.

  • SwimBowen does not issue refunds on registration fees - however please know that all proceeds benefit the Cancer Cancer Care Fund assisting Bowen Islanders in active cancer treatment.

  • If you can’t make the event it would be very kind of you to let us know as we have a waiting list of swimmers who want to join us! So yes, your registration will be transferred to the next in line on the waiting list.