Sun 2nd August
A brand new race in the South West - new route options of 2 and 4km
The Breakwater Classic is run by seasoned event organisers....Kate and Ivan Burton. The route for 2026 has has 2 and 4km options swimming a triangular course towards Shoalstone pool then back along the Breakwater wall. This is due to harbor by-laws being enforced by the Brixham Harbor Authority, and safety concerns around the concrete re-fueling pontoons inside the breakwater wall.
This event is raising money for the Brixham Lifeboat Station with 20% of profits being donated. You will be able to see the Lifeboat moored up in the harbor at the breakwater - so long as they aren't out on a shout!
How does the event run?
You'll first need to come and register at Race HQ on the left hand side of Breakwater Beach. After collecting your hat, and timing chip make sure you're ready to go at the start line for race briefing at 8.45am. You'll have a chance to enter the water to acclimatise, then line up, starting on the gun. Swimmers wanting to race can start at the front of the pack for a sprint start. If you'd rather not be in the front, just hold back a few seconds, or we recommend being at the sides.
The course is 2km, swimming right, towards Shoalstone Pool. You then turn left around a buoy and head for the end of the breakwater, aiming for the lighthouse. Once you reach the next buoy, you turn left again, before one long stretch along the breakwater wall to the beach. If you are in the 4km swim, you turn again for lap #2.
This swim can be swim in 'skins' or wetsuit, and you can swim using any front stroke (front crawl, breaststroke...even butterfly and doggy paddle!)
Schedule
7.30am - Registration Opens
8.45am - Race brief on the beach
9am - 2 and 4km swimmers start
12.15pm - Prize Giving's
12.30pm - Course sweep
1pm - Nippers and Youth Swim
1.30pm - Nippers and Youth Prize Giving
Included
Swim Hat
Chip Timing
Full Professional Safety Cover
Finishers Medal
Post swim sports drink
1st 2nd 3rd for Male and Female 2km
1st 2nd 3rd for Male and Female 4km
1st 2nd 3rdYouth and Nippers
NOT Included
Personal Swim Kit
Any personal insurance
Parking
What's Optional
Charity Donation
Race T-Shirt (XS - XXL) - £17.50
Race Hoodies (XS - XXL) - £30
Please see the FAQ's here for lots of info
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Who runs The Brixham Breakwater
Run by Kate and Ivan from Open Water Devon, both experienced sea swimmers, open water coaches and water enthusiasts are bringing the iconic race back to South Devon!
Ivan holds a Surf Science and Tech BSc 1st Class Honors, and is a Senior Lifeguard trainer/assessor with the RNLI. He has grown up swimming in lakes and rivers in Wales, before travelling the world following the waves, and settling in Devon.
Kate has taught outdoor education for 15 years, and holds the BC White Water Level 3 training, 4* Sea and White Water leader, White Water Safety and Resuce, Beach Lifeguard, STA Tutor and Powerboating Level 2. She's Devon born and bred, and loves any aquatic adventure!