Don a wet suit and a snorkel and take a plunge into the slimy, dark bog filled with peat water, awful sludge, black scorpion and who knows what else
Despite the fact that doctors have raised concerns about health effect against this sport, bog snorkeling gained enough popularity to even warrant a world championship of its own. Bog Snorkeling takes place in a 60 yard trench filled with water. This trench is usually cut through a peat bog and filled with water; the water taking the characteristic tan color when heavily saturated with peat bog. Those who take the least time in completing the two consecutive lengths of the 60 yard bog course by snorkeling is declared winner. Wetsuits are often worn, complete with snorkels and flippers, however they are not compulsory. Bog snorkeling also does not allow conventional swimming strokes like the breast stroke.
The World Championship of Bog Snorkeling takes place annually every August on Bank Holiday at the dense Waen Rhydd peat bog near Llanwrtyd Wells in mid Wales. The first World Championship of Bog Snorkeling was first held in 1985. Competitors from different countries don a wet suit and a snorkel and plunge into the slimy, dark bog filled with peat moss, sludge, scorpions, newts, snakes and who knows what else (okay, I’m kidding with the last part). The snorkeler who completes two laps of the 60 yard channel of filth first wins the title. Phillip John of Bridgend was the champion the year 2002, 2003, and 2004 until he was defeated by Ian Hawkes on 2005. Abigail James was the female champion, and Gareth Madelin was the champion for junior bog snorkeling for the years 2003 and 2004.
Other variation of the bog sport also surfaced. Like the mountain bike bog snorkeling where competitors ride with a mountain bike through the bog. The first World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkeling Championship took place in 2000. Since then, it has been a yearly event. Bikes used for this sport are heavily modified, the wheels of which are weighted and the metal structure filled with water. There is also another variation which is the Bog Snorkeling Triathlon.
The Bog Snorkeling Triathlon was launched in July 10, 2005. The triathlon was sponsored by Young’s Bitter. The Bog Snorkeling Traithlon event consists of running on an approximately 12 mile track, then a bog snorkeling of approximately 120 yards through the world famous Bog Trench and a mountain bike ride of approximately 25 miles. The Bog Snorkeling Triathlon have both an individual and a team relay event.
When addressed about bog snorkeling’s health concerns, Gordon Green (the inventor of bog snorkeling) points out that northern bogs (especially upland bogs in Wales) are acidic enough to kill most bacteria. The dark and vicious looking water despite the floating green muck, is safe for swimming as long as there aren’t any dead sheep lying around. True enough, no serious bog snorkelers to date have gotten sick. He even claimed that some natural bogs have fishes in them, particularly trout and chub, although bog swimmers would likely jump out if they see a wicked-looking scorpions. “Oh these scorpions are just harmless”, he says well-naturedly while eyeing rather anxiously on one already clinging to one of the post: a flat, black customer who indeed looked too wicked to be harmless. “They live off bog snorkelers,” Bradburn the local builder nearby remarks straight-faced, as he drives the white wooden stake into the bottom of the bog with a sledgehammer. “This is their one meal of the year.”
*Note: These black water scorpions are really harmless. It is often a specimen in most 5th or 6th grade biology classes.
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Snorkeling In Curacao
... reef fishes that are swimming around the coral heads close to the shore. * Snake Bay - located on the southeast end of Boka St. Michiel, this Curacao snorkeling site has lots of eels not snakes. * Daaibooi - a typical Curacao beach scene, this snorkeling spot is in the Willibrordus area. A very good Curacao snorkeling site that has numerous types of corals, sponges and reef The Bog Snorkeling fish. * Divers Leap and Piedra Sombre - living up its name, Divers Leap has steep wall dive, perfect for deep dives. Sea horses, pillar corals and reef fish swim about on the terrace. A hat shaped rock is used to pinpoint this magnificent Curacao snorkeling site. The underwater landmark can be found on the cliff behind Piedra Sombre (Stone Hat). The Curacao snorkeling experience is the best way to experience Curacao. So what are you waiting for, grab your gear and...
Bermuda Snorkeling
... travel far for snorkeling since the entire beach length is filled with coral reefs Forget the Bermuda Triangle. Forget the CIA. Forget UFO. And forget the dark side of the moon. Because if you won't, you will avoid Bermuda and will hopelessly miss the magnificent world of Bermuda snorkeling. Bermuda is known for its amazingly clear turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches and most of all for its vast array of coral reefs. Even if you're off to just swimming on the beach and you take a peek at the bottom of the reef, the beauty of the sight will be enough to beckon you for snorkeling. If you're ready for Bermuda snorkeling, all you need is a snorkel, mask, and fins and you're all set to explore. If you can swim, you can snorkel. There are no tours by boats or fancy trips to secluded hidden paradise. The paradise is on the beaches. A handful of...
Snorkeling In Jamaica
... of those are sated with wildlife such as the barjacks, blue- brown chromis, yellow- The Bog Snorkeling headed wrasses and spotlight parrotfish. Just make sure that you have an expert with you because it is getting deep and current are rough. Here are handy tips for those who wish to go snorkeling in Jamaica: * Be very conscious of the currents and keep watch at all times of where you are heading. It will not be very easy to head quickly to the shore when you are too far away while snorkeling in Jamaica. * Do not bring any food for feeding with you. There is really a possibility that they will envelope you to the extent that you might not take it and something might happen. This is just to avoid any kind of accidents because it will end up spoiling your vacation. * Never walk or stand on a coral reef. Those have...
Welcome To The Best Snorkeling In The Caribbean
... home to a recorded 250 diverse marine species. Sponges, corals, crustaceans and a host of multicolored fishes greet every snorkeler. Leinster Bay Leinster Bay is very accessible since it directly leads to the northern shore of St. John. This calm and often uncrowded area is The Bog Snorkeling carpeted with sea life. For those with families or large group, Leinster Bay is the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Haulover Bay While Leinster Bay caters snorkelers with a bustling marine ecosystem, Haulover Bay treats its guest with awesome underwater terrain, often deserted. The best part of this area is gazing at the beauty of stationary elements, as if this silent place was formed by some underwater artist. Ledges, walls, rocks, nooks and sand complement each other to form a peaceful sight. Trunk Bay Trunk...
Snorkeling In Caribbean
... the Caribbean has all these It's no wonder when people just flock to the Caribbean for snorkeling. Perfect snorkeling requires good sunshine, warm and clear waters to support visibility, and lots of under water flora and fauna to see. Because the Caribbean has all these, snorkeling in Caribbean is nothing short of perfect. The Caribbean Islands are classified as one of Conservation International's biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, aquatic and non aquatic. On land, the Caribbean boasts one of the most naturally formed and exceptional tropical forest. These remarkable forests are celebrated for the The Bog Snorkeling diminutive nature of much of its fauna, boasting the world's smallest bird and smallest snake. On sea it is much the same. The Caribbean Islands have more than a 100 species of fish, some of...
Maui Snorkeling
... Underneath the waters, a stunning abundance of aquatic life can be found, and this is what makes the waters of Maui, Hawaii worthy to explore. Because of such fact, people in Maui, Hawaii used to consider snorkeling as one of the best, exciting activities that every visitor in the island should indulge. It is no doubt the best way to experience the wonders underneath the Maui waters, and perhaps what makes Maui snorkeling great is that it is highly available throughout the Hawaiian area. There are four main spots in Maui The Bog Snorkeling that are deemed best for Maui snorkeling. These places are actually preserves, so it is important to take extra care when exploring these areas. These Maui snorkeling spots include the Ahihi Bay, Honolua...
Welcome To The Best California Snorkeling
... decade, five of the islands were made into the Channel Islands National Park, with the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary encompassing 60% of its enclosure. Santa Catalina Island is the only one of the eight islands with a significant permanent civilian settlement-the resort city of Avalon, California. Lover's Cove is a short walk east from Avalon. This protected marine preserve is an excellent area for snorkeling. Some glass bottom boats cruise there to feed the fish, making the Lover's Cove resident fishes unnaturally tame. So tame are the fishes there that you could actually pat them and feed them by hand. Within easy swimming distance of the Cove, snorkelers can get great views of sea urchins, sea stars and shimmering schools of garibaldi fish that hover close to shore. You can also expect occasional visits from playful California sea lions that swim up from the Southeast Sea Lion Rookery. In the summer snorkels and fins can be rented, and fish food purchased, at the Cove Cooler. Descanso Beach is also...
Belize Package Snorkeling
... most species found in the Belize Barrier Reef. Established in 1987, Hol Chan is the first reserve of its kind in Central America. Just to the south of Hol Chan is another popular Belize snorkeling site called Shark-Ray Alley. Shark-Ray Alley is a shallow cut in the reef where snorkelers are almost assured of encountering nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Both Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley are within Ambergris Caye. Other major snorkeling sites include Mata Rocks Cut and the Mexico Rocks. If you're in for Belize Package Snorkeling then you should consider Calico Jack's Village. You can make their unique Caribbean beachfront resort your home base while you vacation in Belize. The Belize package snorkeling they offer will provide the services needed to make your time exceptional and comfortable yet giving you the best snorkeling adventure Belize can offer you. Caretakers at Calico Jack's Village are...
Welcome To The Best Snorkeling Spot
Deadman's Reef, you can still access the reef by swimming or by boat. Either way, your efforts will pay off as you dive into the shallow depths that hold the colorful and vibrant life within Deadman's Reef. Belize Barrier Reef Belize The second largest reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef is also one of the most popular Belize snorkeling destinations. The reef's protection from the turbulent sea creates clear and calm water that simulates an outstanding natural aquarium that you can take part of. The Los Arcos and Tres Marietas Banderas Bay, Mexico Banderas Bay offers two best site snorkeling: the Los Arcos and the Tres Marietas. These two natural preserves are a part of an underwater mountain range which peaks above the ocean's surface about 20 miles of the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Because they welcome the waters from the pacific more than the other sites, it is also natural to find whales, dolphins and mantas...
Finding The Best Snorkeling Beaches
... be thoroughly boring to snorkelers. However, there are outstanding beaches that cater the needs of young bathers -and young snorkelers too. Check out these best snorkeling beaches I have compiled. Paradise Cove Beach Resort No other beaches in the Bahamas have the direct access towards the Deadman's Reef. Paradise Cove knows and takes pride of that. That's why Paradise Cove Beach Resort is one of the best snorkeling beaches you can find. A short distance from the beach line would the magnificent Deadman's Reef. And what would one of the best snorkeling beaches have to offer than a coral reef teeming with aquatic life. Two bedroom The Bog Snorkeling villa for $195/day or $1225/week Fully equipped and just a step away to the beach P.O. Box F-42771 Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island...
Best Snorkeling Location
Olowalu Turtle Reef can be found in Maui. Oahu Oahu contains several exquisitely formed corals. Examples of such reefs would be on the North Shore at Haleiwa. In addition to these beautiful reefs, one can find Hanauma Bay off the coast where 450 diverse marine species makes their home. Kauai Kauai is famed for its lush vegetation, earning the name 'Garden Island'. The Garden Island is also the home to more sandy beaches than any major island in the chain. Sea caves and half submerged waterfalls are its natural charms even casual snorkelers will be amazed. Caribbean The British Virgin Islands Home to a dozen historical shipwrecks, the waters of the island chain St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas was once pirate infested....
Finding The Best in the Snorkeling World
... life. Olowalu Turtle Reef Maui, Hawaii Olowalu Turtle Reef in Maui is among the best in snorkeling world. Its sheltered waters overflow with a number of gentle and graceful green sea turtles making it the best site snorkeling and studying these over-poached creatures. Here you can see and be amazed at the peaceful and gentle ecology these wayward creatures have made for themselves. These turtles are protected by the law so it is advisable to observe them at some distance. The Los Arcos and Tres Marietas Banderas Bay, Mexico Banderas Bay offers two best site snorkeling: the Los Arcos and the Tres Marietas. The Arches are basically three underwater rocks that form the small islands. They have a natural tunnel through their centers that has been etched by the tides to form perfect arches over the ocean. These rocks emerge from the ocean's surface just off the small cove of Mismaloya. Thus Los Arcos is a...
Jamaica Montego Bay Snorkeling
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Snorkeling in Cozumel
... is an island off the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Yucatan Peninsula which is opposite of Playa del Carmen in Mexico. It is a flat mass of land based on porous volcanic rock. It also has a number of endemic species such as the splendid toadfish. Great is an understatement to describe what it is to go snorkeling in Cozumel. Its limestone shore is surrounded by temperate, crystal clear The Bog Snorkeling waters that range from striking turquoise to deep indigo. With that there are many spots in the island that is conducive for another thrilling splash escapade. * Chankaanab is ideal for those beginners who desire to go snorkeling in Cozumel. It is a must to head to the wonderful coral formations, stroll their one- of- a- kind botanical gardens, witness the dolphin show and visit the museum. * Santa Rosa is best for those who are in...