Bog snorkelling is a sporting event in which competitors complete, in the shortest time possible, two consecutive lengths of a water-filled trench cut through a peat bog.
Competitors must wear snorkels and flippers and complete the course without using conventional swimming strokes, relying on flipper power alone.
A wetsuit is not compulsory, but is often worn. The length of the trench is 60 yards (55 m), traversed twice for a course of
120 yards (110 m). The world record was set by Neil Rutter at the Waen Rhydd bog, Llanwrtyd Wells on 26 August 2018 with a time of 1 min 18.81 secs.
The clue is in the name, but basically participants swim along a water-filled trench that has been cut into a peat bog – using a snorkel and face mask to breathe as they go. Conventional swimming strokes are not allowed, and contestants must kick their legs, using flippers to propel themselves along the murky channel.
Some of the competitors take the event very seriously, but it’s an opportunity to wear fancy dress and have a laugh for most. The whole day has a festival atmosphere and there are food stalls, real al
e and cider, crafts and even a bouncy castle on site.
Proceeds from the World Championship go to a local charity each year. Past recipients include the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (2005) and the Motor Neurone Association (2006). The 2006 charity was chosen in memory of the Green Events treasurer, Ron Skilton, who died in December 2005.
