Photos by David Hiscock, ActionSnaps
Tickle Swim
The Tickle Swim is a 5 km open ocean swim between Portugal Cove St. Phillips and Bell Island, Newfoundland.
The swim takes place each summer and is highly dependent on the sea and weather conditions. Safety is paramount.
If you would like to participate in the swim or swim virtually, please visit the registration page .
If you would like to be a support kayaker, please review the Kayak Support section below.
Geographic coordinates
Bell Island
Latitude: 47° 37' 50.045" N
Longitude: 52° 55' 15.221" W
Portugal Cove St Phillip's
Latitude: 47° 37' 39.985"
Longitude: 52 ° 55' 15.221" W
Preparation for Swimmers
There are no specific training guidelines as participants will vary greatly in age, experience, and ability. Participants should be aware that a 5 km swim is the rough equivalent of running a half marathon (21km). Further, as this is an ocean swim, swell can be significant and makes the swim much harder than it would be in a pool or lake.
Therefore, it is essential that before attempting The Tickle Swim, you swim on a regular basis and have completed other long open water swims. You can walk part of a road race, but you really can't do that in a swim.
Remember that the pool is not the lake, and the lake is not the ocean. Swimmers may want to consider training with a masters swim group (Rocky Island Swim Club) or participating in The Open Water Swim Series to test their fitness.
A proper kit is recommended for a successful swim. We strongly urge all participants to obtain:
A triathlon type wetsuit. Other wetsuits such as those for diving or wind surfing can be too cumbersome for a successful crossing
A swim cap, although two is preferable for warmth.
Swim goggles (be sure that you have tested them in a variety of conditions and they are not prone to fogging)
Consider neoprene gloves and socks
Water bottle(s) to be carried by your kayaker (mandatory)’
Body glide or wetsuit lubricant to prevent chafing
A towel and a change of clothes for variable weather conditions after the swim
Note: Your kit will be transported from the start of the swim to the finish by support volunteers in time for your arrival.
Weather & Ocean Conditions
Weather and ocean conditions can vary. The decision to swim or not is made the night before the swim, and if necessary the swim is postponed.
Currents and tides in Conception Bay are generally weak, and the swim is timed to minimize their impact.. Of far greater importance for the swim will be the direction and strength of the winds.
The water at this time of year is cold (13-17° C) but not frigid. We strongly recommend wearing at least a thin wetsuit unless you have acclimatized yourself to cold water temperatures.
Wind, swell or chop can make it awkward to breathe from one side. It is a good idea to do some practice breathing on both sides so that you can adapt to the varying conditions of the swim.
Note that sea sickness can become an issue while swimming. At the very least, be prepared to deal with a strong taste of salt water in your mouth.
You may encounter some ocean life, and if you are lucky you may be accompanied by a dolphin or small whale! Moon jellyfish are sometimes encountered and can administer a mild sting, however jellyfish with stronger stings are rare in Conception Bay.
Larger sea animals are rarely encountered and generally avoid the commotion caused by the swimmers, kayakers and safety boats
Safety
The Tickle Swim is an open ocean, cold water swim, and the safety of our participants is paramount. The following measures help to insure that our participants remain safe.
Swimmers must be fit and qualified. This is not an event for first time ocean swimmers, or swimmers who are not in their best physical condition.
The swim will be postponed or cancelled if the water or weather conditions are not suitable.
First aid responders are on-site throughout the swim.
Several motorized safety boats with qualified rescue personnel follow the swimmers across the tickle.
Every swimmer must be accompanied by a Sea kayaker, with level one sea kayaking qualifications at a minimum.
A Swim Marshal will be designated before the swim day, and all participants are expected to obey the directions of the marshal for their own safety. This includes terminating the swim for the group or an individual swimmer for health or safety reasons.
Kayak Support
Swimmers must be accompanied by a support kayaker. Support kayakers must have a minimum of Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Skills. If a support paddler does not have this requirement there are courses available through July leading up to the swim.
Proper equipment is also essential, this is a check list of Department of Transportation required equipment that Kayakers participating in the Tickle Swim MUST have in/on their boats.
Level 1 kayak courses are offered by Paddle NL and The NL Kayak Company.
Department of Transportation Requirements:
Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
A Buoyant Heaving Line at least 15 metres long (floating throw-line or throw-bag)
A Manual Water Pump or Bailing Device
A Sound Signalling Device (Whistle)
Additionally, here is a list of equipment the Tickle Swim requires kayakers to have the day of the swim.
Safety Kayaker Equipment List:
Kayak minimum of 14 feet in length
Kayak with bulkheads OR internal float bags (floatation compartments)
Kayak must have deck lines (bow and stern)
Kayak needs to have the ability to maintain a straight line in the wind (Rudder or Skeg)
Spray Deck
Ability to transport swimmers personal belongings (watertight hatch)
Paddler must be wearing thermal protective clothing suitable to the water and air temperatures (wetsuit or dry-suit)
Spare PFD (to toss to a distressed swimmer)
Check out this excellent article by Jennifer Guy which answers many more questions for potential kayakers.
If you would like to be a kayaker for the tickle swim, please contact us.
NOTE: If a support kayaker does not have the appropriate equipment or skill level the day of the swim they will be unable to participate.