Bog snorkeling

 

In 1976 a group of friends were tipping glasses in the The Neuadd Arms pub in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, when the topic of how to raise money for charity came up. Some how or another this led to the idea of having a race in a bog while wearing a snorkel. I must say I'm impressed by the ability of the Welsh to hold their booze. One would think that if you were drunk enough to come up with that idea you would black out and forget the whole business by the next day.

However, that night's inspiration was to lead to the sport of bog snorkeling. The rules are simple, they have to swim down and then back in a 60 yard trench cut into the bog while wearing a snorkel. Also, the racers can only kick their feet to propel themselves. 

By 1985 they had inaugurated the World Bog Snorkeling Championship which has been held every year since in Llanwrtyd Wells. The World Championship is held in August if you plan on starting to train to enter the race. The sport has also expanded to other areas, including Australia and also now includes such innovations as the bog snorkeling triathlon.