Juhend

GOALS AND DISTANCES

 

• Participants' goals vary, ranging from personal challenges, preparation for Ironman competitions, intense training, seeking unique experiences, and collecting achievements.
• The distance from Käsmu Harbor to Võsu Lifeguard Station is 3,500 meters.
• The finish line, marked by a white lifeguard building, is clearly visible from the start and serves as the main landmark on the course.
• In 2025, for the first time, distances starting and finishing in Käsmu will be introduced to honor the Käsmu community: 100 m, 200 m, 500 m, and 1 km.

 

RACE CENTER AND 3.5 KM START

 

• The race center, along with registration and equipment pickup, is located at Käsmu Lighthouse Harbor (near the shop). It will be open from 10:00 to 14:00.
• Participants must arrive before 12:30 to review rules and documents. The official briefing is at 13:00, followed by equipment checks, etc.
• Race materials are issued upon presenting an ID.
• The 3.5 km race starts at 14:00 from Käsmu Harbor. Participants will start in the water at the sound of a signal. Be in the water and in position at least 5 minutes before the start. A MASS START will be given.
• Faster swimmers should position themselves at the front of the starting area, while those taking on a personal challenge are encouraged to stay further back (closer to the shore).
• Be courteous and attentive at the start. Select a suitable position in the water to avoid injuries and crowding.
• The organizer recommends wearing a wetsuit for crossing Käsmu Bay, but participation is also possible without one.
• Swimming style is free – participants have up to 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the course.
• The participant’s time is recorded at the finish line as they pass through the timing gate – timing continues until the gate is crossed.
• Participants confirm their swimming skills and physical ability by signing a “Health Condition Declaration/Rules and Risks Acceptance” on-site before receiving their race materials.

 

100 M, 200 M, 500 M, AND 1 KM STARTS

 

• The 500 m and 1 km starts are at 12:00.
• The 100 m and 200 m starts are at 12:01 (participation without safety buoys).
• Mandatory briefing and equipment checks for 100 m, 200 m, 500 m, and 1 km take place at 11:40 by the water (near the starting gate). Children participating must be accompanied by parents or an adult guardian.

 

SAFETY

 

• Participant safety is the organizer’s top priority. The organizer reserves the right to postpone or cancel the event due to unsuitable weather conditions, consulting rescue and first aid teams as needed.
• Postponements may occur on the same day or on another date. Cancellations or postponements are treated as Force Majeure, and no refunds will be provided for postponements. For cancellations, 50% of the participation fee will be refunded within two weeks of the scheduled event.
• Decisions regarding the start in cases of blue-green algae or other pollution will be made in consultation with the Health Board. Pollution-related cancellations are also considered Force Majeure.
• Decisions regarding postponements or cancellations will be made as soon as possible, but no later than 30 minutes before the planned start.
• Due to safety considerations, the maximum number of participants is 250 (across all distances).

 

MOVEMENT IN WATER

 

• Participants aged 18+ are allowed to participate in the 3.5 km distance (except licensed swimmers from the Estonian Swimming Federation and minors with parental consent).
• Parental written consent is required for minors participating in the 100 m, 200 m, 500 m, and 1 km distances – declarations must be completed and signed on-site.
• Goggles, masks, caps, and socks are allowed. Fins, gloves, and other swimming aids are prohibited. Headphones are not allowed.
• Personal support boats (kayaks, rowboats, SUPs, etc.) are allowed with registration and briefing at the race center. Participants in the 3.5 km distance may rest on their support boat or receive assistance (food, drinks) but may not use the boat for forward movement. Motorized boats are not allowed as support.
• Support persons must wear life jackets and have a functioning whistle to call rescue teams (checked during the briefing).
• Personal support boats for the 3.5 km race can enter the water from Käsmu Pier (a few hundred meters from the start). They can dock on the Võsu harbor side but must avoid the finish area.
• Supporters must ensure swimmer safety and avoid obstructing participants. Stay alongside the course at a safe distance, not among the swimmers.
• The organizer reserves the right to remove participants from the water for safety reasons or rule violations and redirect support boats to dock.
• The only finish marker is the white building on the beach (lifeguard house) – no additional landmarks or aids will be placed in the water. Swimmers can orient themselves using the nearby mobile mast. Note: Participants violating rules may not start or will be disqualified (no medal or time recorded).

 

REGISTRATION

 

• Registration is open at ööjooks.ee until 27.06.2025 or until spots are filled. Payments can be made conveniently via Stebby on the organizer’s website.
• Early registration offers lower participation fees based on an “early bird” principle.

 

PARTICIPATION FEES

 

• 100 m: FREE
• 200 m: €5–9
• 500 m: €16–19
• 1 km: €25–29
• 3.5 km: €34–45
• Virtual swim (3.5 km): €25 Note: A €1 transaction fee applies. Fees include VAT. Spots are limited.

 

PARTICIPATION FEE INCLUDES:

 

• Full race setup, including briefings, electronic timing (500 m, 1 km, 3.5 km), safety boats, sea rescue, medical aid, free bag storage, portable toilets, and bag transport to the finish (3.5 km).
• Buoy use and post-finish services.
• Unique medal, framed finisher’s certificate, and e-diploma for 3.5 km finishers, plus a Viking Line prize trip to Sweden (additional charges apply).
• Finishers of 100 m and 200 m: bottled water and e-diploma.
• Finishers of 500 m and 1 km: bottled water, e-diploma, and framed certificate.
• High-quality photos and video summaries.
• A unique experience and a significant achievement.

 

T-SHIRT

 

• Participants can order an Open Water Estonia T-shirt during registration.
• The shirt, made of technical, quick-drying material, costs €20. It is distributed with race materials and cannot be exchanged on-site. Shirts will not be mailed or distributed later. This is not a finisher shirt and can be worn by non-finishers.

 

LÄÄNE-VIRUMAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

• The 3.5 km distance will also determine Lääne-Virumaa open water swimming champions in the following categories: juniors (boys/girls), seniors (men/women), and overall (men/women).

 

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL

 

• All participants (500 m, 1 km, 3.5 km) must use a personal buoy equipped with a whistle.
• While the buoy is not a rescue device, it helps reduce risks.
• If you see someone in distress, alert the rescue teams following swimmers by resting on your buoy, whistling, and raising your hand.
• If you feel tired or experience cramps, rest on your buoy. Forward movement using the buoy is prohibited. If the issue is serious, whistle and raise your hand until rescue arrives. WITHDRAWING OR SEEKING HELP IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS! Starting the race is already a great achievement.
• Stay calm and avoid panic in unforeseen circumstances. Use the buoy, whistle, raise your hand, and wait for help. Rescue boats are present along the course.
• Medical assistance is provided at the finish.

 

AFTER THE FINISH

 

• Pass through the finish gate and proceed calmly as directed by officials.
• Follow-up: return of buoy and timing chip, medal distribution (3.5 km), participant bag pickup, and photos.
• 3.5 km finishers can use Võsu beach area’s portable toilets and changing cabins (50 m away). Dressing tents are also available.
• Bags dropped at the start (Käsmu) will be transported to the finish (Võsu).

 

BUS TRANSPORT AND PARKING

 

• At the start (Käsmu), participants must park in designated parking areas (about 600 m from the start) and follow the instructions of the event staff and signs.
• Organizers provide bus transport from Võsu to Käsmu at 12:00 (to the start) and at 16:40 (post-finish). The bus departs from Võsu seafront parking (about 200 m from the finish).
• Bus tickets can be purchased during registration for €7. Seats are limited, and ticket sales end when full.
• Ample parking is available at Võsu’s seafront. Käsmu participants must use designated parking – parking near the Käsmu shop is prohibited.
• Only paid parking is available at Võsu. Payment via mobile. For details: https://www.haljala.ee/tasuline-parkimine