Pointbreak Oanob Swim - 1st March

The participants and spectators of the annual Pointbreak Open Water Swim, which took place this Sunday, were rewarded with perfect conditions - sunny skies, clear warm water and the Oanob dam at 100% capacity.

There were more than 80 entrants for the open water swim, and the field was a mix of both recreational swimmers and Namibia's best.

Namibia Swimming Academy(NSA) dominated the race. Six of the top ten finishers of the 2.1km main event were NSA members. Overall winner, and winner of the elite male category 13-30 years, was Alex Ray (NSA). He completed the 2.1km swim in a time of 26.05. Byron Briedenhann (NSA), was second overall and second in the elite male category, in a time of 27.05. Jonay Briedenhann (NSA) was overall third and first female elite, in a time of 28.02. Stephanus Van Zyl (NSA) took overall fourth place in a time of 28.19, and was third in the elite male 14-30 year category. Paddy Murphy (independent), 47 years of age, was overall 5th place in a time of 29.21 and first in the male category, 31+ years. The 31+ years female category was won by Bobby Jo Bassingthwaite in a time of 35.41. Bobby Jo is the only Namibian to have swum the English Channel, she was followed by top Namibian triathletes Zoe Mitchell and Charmaine Shannon. The Female 13 years and under was won by Micaela Cloete (NSA) in a time of 33.34.

The overall winner of the 700m swim, and winner of the Female 13 years and under was Christine Briedenhann (NSA) in a time of 10.12.

Event organisers, Otb Sport, said they were delighted with the turn-out and to see Namibia's best participating (young and old). They expect the event to grow from strength to strength as open water swimming catches peoples imagination.

Tony Edmunds from Pointbreak, who presented the prize giving, said that Pointbreak was very pleased with the turn out of the event, the spirit of the event and the calibre of the participants. He further said that Pointbreak would remain involved in the sponsorship of the event as they wished to contribute to sport as it promotes a healthy, balanced approach to life. The event exhibits many of the characteristics with which Pointbreak associates itself, such as excellence, endurance, zest for life, balance and an enjoyment of the beautiful natural environment which we have on our doorstep.

Click here to see all the results.

For photos of the event click here.