Bogsnorkelling in Wales

For more information on bogsnorkelling holidays in Wales call activity Wales on 01437 766888 or email fran@activitywales.com

I've learnt my lesson. Don't swallow. It's advice I thought I wouldn't have to take. Entering the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Wales' smallest town of Llanwrtyd Wells was, I hoped, a once in a life time event. Yet here I was in 2004, back representing my country! - for the second consecutive year.

Why? Was it just for that terrific antioxidant mud boost to the complexion or was it the possibility of shedding a few extra kilos after swallowing minute measures of this wonderful elixir. Then again, there was the lure of the first prize: £50 worth of ice cream. This creamy treat had enticed around 30 Australians to travel 12,000 miles in the hope that one of them may win the coveted World Bog Snorkelling Champion title.

These were all such great reasons to enter. Yet I think the real motivator for me was to swap my Blahniks for fins and my Sass and Bides for a tight fitting wet suit and give the Aussies some sort of chance at winning the title from the British - well you¹ve got to be in it to win it.

This place has atmosphere. One might think they were on Madison Avenue if it weren't for the sinking bog under foot that drags you down like a ravenous crocodile. The clientele here are truly cosmopolitan - Americans, Europeans, British and Australians sporting everything from frog suits, tutus, Hawaiian shirts, and body paint. Forget the Paris catwalks - this is where fashion is truly happening.

But it is the experience which will remain with you for some time later.

It is only once you have emerged from your second lap of the bog fitted with the regulation peat to the hair that you can say yo'¹ve truly lived. Once you've been bog snorkelling - you can take on the world - wrestling 60 feet crocs, eating live snakes, surfing 50 foot waves - these are all nothing compared to the thrill of the bog.

The mud embraces each contestant warmly as soon as you enter the 50 metres trench. The crowd cheers you on even though they wouldn¹t have a clue who you are. You gasp for air fighting not to bring your head above bog level. (You are only allowed to lift your head up three times for directional change.) Vision is nil - even with a snorkel and a mask. There are all sorts of unidentified things which get up close and personal despite your wetsuit. You can feel them but you can¹t see them - adding further to this amazing experience.

Finally you make it to the half way mark. It is certainly takes strength of will to return down the trench and complete the second lap of fifty metres. You start to believe in Hell; it is truly here on Earth; then you're back on to soggy ground; you're alive; you're a hero; the crowd cheers again, it's time to celebrate. You join the throng of other bog snorkellers each with that lingering bog bouquet which lasts for at least 48 hours, and promotes a definite camaraderie amongst bog snorkellers.

I can't wait to go back and see all my fellow bog snorkellers again next year. Coming 18th with a time of 2 minutes and 7 seconds, was pretty amazing for me but I'm determined to win it in 2005. 2005 will see 20 years of this well known, but yet to be recognised high level sport. I'm lobbying for an Australian bog snorkelling championship in order to get in some sort of practice. Somehow we¹ll overcome our drought and water restrictions to recreate the dense Waen Rhydd Peat bog. Watch this space.

The event came about as a means of raising funds for charity, and whilst it's all done in good fun, competition for the course record - which is now recognised by the Guinness Book of Records - is fierce.

Since the event first began in 1986 it's grown to the point where Llanwrtyd Wells is a frenzy of media activity every August, as film crews from around the world compete with each other to record people emerging from the course looking more like the Creature from the Black Lagoon' than a finely-honed athlete.

Anyone can enter, and the rules are simple - leap into the specially prepared trench, swim two lengths using a snorkel, and the fastest person to complete the black, smelly course is the champion.

The 2005 World Bog snorkelling championships is scheduled to take place on August Bank Holiday Monday August 29th 2005 from 11am.

Words by Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan, photographs by Kerry Edwards