The competition takes place on 8 January but the festival starts a day earlier on 7 January with a dip in the „ice-hole“ to bless the pool. Also orthodox Christmas will be celebrated with the traditional dip in the water.

The main event of the festival – Estonian open Championship in winter swimming will start on 8 January with an opening ceremony at 10.00 with a performance by Finnish „ice-figure-swimmers“.

The fastest winter swimmers will go head-to-head and Estonian championship medals will be awarded in the following winter swimming events: 25 m breaststroke, 50 m freestyle, 4 x 25 m freestyle relay and a 450 m endurance event.

The participants arrive from Finland, Latvia, Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg, and Novosibirsk) and of course all over Estonia. Immediately after the competition everyone has a chance to dip into the icy river water, heat up in the sauna or hot tub.

Long term weather forecast promises proper winter temperatures, so the participants at Pirita Open will have a chance to experience true winter extreme as well as unforgettable views.

The event is free of charge for spectators, to participate please register. Winter swimming festival Pirita Open 2011 is part of the programme of European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011.

More information at: www.veeklubi.ee or www.piritaopen.blogspot.com
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