Given the current COVID-19 situation and government restrictions, I. plavecký klub otužilců Praha is ready to organise the Alfred Nikodem Memorial. As usual, it will take place on 26 December 2021 at the northern tip of Slovanský Island. If we need to spread the event over a longer period, the traditional 11:00 start may change. Arrangements will reflect developments over the coming weeks, with a detailed programme published here approximately one week before the event.
Open-water cold swimming really took off last winter. We are waiting to see whether that enthusiasm also brings more public interest in Christmas swimming beside Prague’s National Theatre. We are delighted that you are interested in the event’s 75th edition.
Swimmers who are not registered with the Czech Swimming Federation are welcome, provided they meet the following requirements:
– Good health. A doctor must certify your fitness for winter swimming using the standard form available HERE. As an unaffiliated swimmer, select “jednorázová prohlídka” (one-off medical examination). A general practitioner, as well as a sports physician, may issue the certificate.
– You must demonstrate that you can swim your chosen distance — 100 or 300 metres — in cold water.
This year’s preferred option is a video of your swim. It must clearly show when it took place (for example, by showing that day’s newspaper), how long it lasted (five minutes for 100 metres, thirteen minutes for 300 metres) and the water temperature. This must be below 6°C, usually demonstrated by filming a thermometer or linking to a public temperature reading. Upload the video to a file-sharing service, YouTube or a similar platform, and send the link with your entry to the email address below.
Another option is a trial swim in the December-cold Vltava with our member Jaroslava Hodisová (formerly Vatalová), email: otuzilci-praha@email.cz. These swims take place by prior arrangement only during I. PKO training in Prague-Braník, usually on Thursdays between 17:00 and 18:00. They can also be arranged on Mondays and Wednesdays between 16:00 and 18:00, or Saturdays between 10:00 and 12:00. Other times may be arranged in exceptional cases.
A trial swim outside Prague may also be possible with a cold-water swimmer known to us who can confirm your readiness. Arrange this individually, depending on your location, with event director Tomáš Prokop on 606 754 905.
– Pay the CZK 250 entry fee in cash at the venue on the day. If advance bank payment becomes compulsory this year, we will update this article here.
YOUR ENTRY MUST INCLUDE:
– Your first name, surname, year of birth, place of residence, chosen distance (100 or 300 metres), and a link to your trial swim or details of when and with whom you completed it. ATTACH A SCAN OF YOUR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE, NO MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD.
– SEND EVERYTHING BY EMAIL TO otuzilci-praha@email.cz.
– THE DEADLINE IS 22 DECEMBER. YOUR TRIAL SWIM MUST ALSO HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BY THEN.
REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SLOVANSKÝ ISLAND; THE EXACT LOCATION WILL BE CONFIRMED. CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS MAY PREVENT US FROM USING THE USUAL REGISTRATION AREA INSIDE ŽOFÍN PALACE. THE PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE IN THE EVENT PROGRAMME WILL ALSO BE UPDATED TO REFLECT THE PRECISE LIMITS, WHICH SHOULD BE KNOWN ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE THE EVENT. YOU WILL DEFINITELY NEED TO CHECK IN IN PERSON WITH THE REGISTRATION TEAM. PLEASE FOLLOW UPDATES TO THIS ARTICLE AND NEWER POSTS ON THIS WEBSITE.
We look forward to seeing you and enjoying the event together, despite these challenging times.
Official Alfred Nikodem Memorial programme (in Czech)
Financial support:
