The Annual World Bog Snorkelling Championship

Bog Snorkelling is an unusual sporting event that requires competitors to complete 2 consecutive 55 meter lengths of a water filled trench that is cut through a peat bog.

If that's not enough, it is a timed event that requires competitors to wear snorkels and flippers. A Mask or Goggles are also required and most entrants wear a wetsuit but this is not a requirement.

Oh and by the way, you aren't allowed to use any conventional swimming strokes!!

The FunSwimShop World Bog Snorkelling Championship is open to anyone over the age of 14 who is prepared to get down and dirty and make a splash on the Bog Snorkelling scene. The fastest times are recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. 

Legend has it that Bog Snorkelling was invented near Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, United Kingdom in 1976. It began, as great things often do, over a pint (or probably several) at The Neuadd Arms public house. Mr Gorden Green is said to have had the idea whilst talking to some of the locals.

First held in 1985, the World Bog Snorkelling Championship takes place annually every August Bank Holiday at Waen Rydd peat bog, near Llanwrtyd Wells in mid Wales. Each year, it attracts over 200 entrants and is currently sponsored by online swim shop FunSwimShop.co.uk. 

Jonathon Madden, FunSwimShop Director said

“We caught the Bog bug after supplying the equipment for the Big Brother Bog Snorkelling task in 2009. It seemed a natural progression to become the 2010 sponsor. This event is Seriously Fun and we hope the FunSwimShop World Bog Snorkelling Championship will be the most successful ever!”

Sheelagh Tompkins, organiser of the World Bog Snorkelling Championship said

“We are ecstatic to have such a well suited sponsor for this year’s World Bog Snorkelling Championship and we are looking forward to a year to remember, with more Fun and games with FunSwimShop on board.”

This sport has its stars like any other. The current world record holder is Joanne Pitchforth of Heckmondwike with the time 1 minute 35.18 seconds. She managed to shave fractions of a second off the previous record which was set in 2003. Conor Murphy is the current men's champion, Laura Smith is the current women's champion, and Beccy Lord the current champion junior bog snorkeller.

Athletes will compete for the follwing presdigouse titles:

• Male World Champion 
• Female World Champion 
• Junior World Champion 
• Local World Champion 
• Best Fancy Dress 

Bog Snorkelling is now a global phenomenon which attracts huge media attention. It has sprouted several, equally bonkers, spin offs.

Events are mostly help in Wales but Australia, Ireland, and Northern Ireland all host events. Don't think Bog Snorkelling is for you? How about associated mountain bike bog snorkelling where competitors must ride through the bog on specially prepared mountain bikes, or perhaps the Bog Snorkelling Triathlon is more to your tastes?

As crazy past-times go, this us up there with the greats. Who knows, you may find a hidden talent!