Official Competition Guide
1. EVENT OVERVIEW
Open Water Estonia: Käsmu–Võsu is a 3.5 km open-water swim across Käsmu Bay, accompanied by shorter community distances held in Käsmu. The event welcomes swimmers seeking performance, preparation for long-distance triathlons, memorable personal challenges, or a unique open-water experience.
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2. DISTANCES
Main Distance
• 3.5 km – Käsmu Harbour → Võsu Lifeguard Station
o Mass start from the water
o Finish landmark: white lifeguard house on Võsu beach
o Time limit: 2 h 30 min
Community Distances (Start & Finish in Käsmu)
• 100 m
• 200 m
• 500 m
• 1 km
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3. EVENT CENTRE & SCHEDULE
Event Centre (Käsmu Lighthouse Harbour)
• Open: 10:00–14:00
• Start material pick-up with ID
• Mandatory briefing and equipment checks on-site
Race Day Schedule
Time Activity
11:40 Briefing & equipment check – 100 m, 200 m, 500 m, 1 km
12:00 Start – 500 m & 1 km
12:02 Start – 100 m & 200 m
13:00 Official 3.5 km race briefing
14:00 Mass start – 3.5 km
15:30 Awards Ceremony (3.5 km overall)
16:40 Bus from Võsu back to Käsmu
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4. SAFETY RULES
Safety is the organiser’s highest priority.
General
• The organiser may postpone, modify, or cancel the event in case of unsuitable weather, low water temperatures, or pollution (e.g., blue-green algae).
• In all such cases Force Majeure principles apply.
Water Temperature Regulations
• Wetsuit mandatory below 15°C
• Strongly recommended below 18°C
Tow Float
• Mandatory for 500 m, 1 km, 3.5 km
• Provided by organiser
• Equipped with whistle
• May be used for resting, but not for propulsion
Prohibited Equipment
• Fins, gloves, paddles, propulsion aids
• Headphones/earphones
Minimum Age
• 3.5 km: 18+ (exceptions for licensed swimmers and minors with parental consent)
• Short distances: parental consent required for minors
Support Boats
• Allowed with prior registration (kayak, SUP, rowboat)
• Must wear life jacket & whistle
• No motorised boats
• May assist with resting or nutrition but not propulsion
• Must keep safe distance from swimmers
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5. REGISTRATION & FEES
Registration
• Online: eestimaraton.ee
• Limited entries per distance
• Early bird pricing system
Entry Fees
• 100 m: FREE
• 200 m: €5–9
• 500 m: €12–15
• 1 km: €19–25
• 3.5 km: €35–45
€1 payment processing fee (VAT included)
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6. WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Professional safety support: sea rescue, medical team, safety boats
• Electronic timing (500 m, 1 km, 3.5 km)
• Personal tow float rental
• Bag drop & transport to finish (3.5 km)
• Finish services (water, recovery area)
• Finisher rewards:
o 3.5 km: medal, framed certificate, e-diploma, Viking Line reward trip
o 500 m / 1 km: bottled water, framed certificate, e-diploma
o 100 m / 200 m: bottled water, e-diploma
• Professional photos & event video
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7. COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
During the 3.5 km race, Lääne-Viru County Open Water champions will be determined in:
• Juniors – boys/girls
• Seniors – men/women
• Overall – men/women
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8. AWARD CEREMONY
• Trophies to top 3 women and 3 men in 3.5 km overall classification
• Sponsor gifts may be awarded
• No cash prizes
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9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If you need help:
1. Stop and rest on your tow float
2. Blow the whistle
3. Raise your hand
4. Wait for rescue personnel
Stopping, withdrawing or asking for help is not a failure – safety comes first.
If you see another swimmer in distress, notify rescue teams immediately.
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10. POST-FINISH PROCEDURES
At the finish area (Võsu):
• Cross timing mats
• Return tow float
• Return timing chip
• Receive medal (3.5 km) and finisher items
• Changing tents and beach facilities available
• Bag collection from Käsmu transport area
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11. TRANSPORT & PARKING
Bus Transport (Paid):
• Võsu → Käsmu: 12:00
• Võsu → Käsmu (after finish): 16:40
• Ticket: €7 (limited seats; available during registration)
Parking
• Käsmu: designated event parking area only (600 m from start)
• Parking near Käsmu shop is prohibited
• Võsu: large seaside parking; paid parking applies via mobile payment More about parking (in estonian)
