ABOUT THE RACE
The Breakwater Classic is run by 3 Open Water enthusiasts...Jon Paul, Kate and Ivan Burton. The route for 2026 has changed due to harbor by-laws being enforced by the Brixham Harbor Authority, and safety concerns around the concrete re-fueling pontoons inside the breakwater wall. The new 2026 route swims on the seaward side of the Breakwater instead.
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This event is raising money for the Brixham Lifeboat Station with 20% of profits being donated. You will be able to see the Lifeboat moored up in the harbor at the breakwater - so long as they aren't out on a shout!
If you are a disabled or adaptive swimmer and would like to join us, please do get in touch so we can help organise your swim.
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You'll first need to come and register at Race HQ on the left hand side of Breakwater Beach. After collecting your hat, and timing chip make sure you're ready to go at the start line for race briefing at 9.50am. You'll have a chance to enter the water to acclimatise, then line up, starting on the gun. Swimmers wanting to race can start at the front of the pack for a sprint start. If you'd rather not be in the front, just hold back a few seconds, or we recommend being at the sides.
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The course is 2km, swimming right, towards Shoalstone Pool. You then turn left around a buoy and head for the end of the breakwater, aiming for the lighthouse. Once you reach the next buoy, you turn left again, before one long stretch along the breakwater wall to the beach. If you are in the 4km swim, you turn again for lap #2.
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This swim can be swim in 'skins' or wetsuit, and you can swim using any front stroke (front crawl, breaststroke...even butterfly and doggy paddle!)
Schedule
7.30am - Registration Opens
8.45am - Race brief on the beach
9am - 2 and 4km swimmers start
12.15pm - Prize Giving's
12.30pm - Course sweep
1pm - Nippers and Youth Swim
1.30pm - Nippers and Youth Prize Giving
Included
Swim Hat
Chip Timing
Full Professional Safety Cover
Finishers Medal
Post swim sports drink
1st 2nd 3rd for Male and Female 2km
1st 2nd 3rd for Male and Female 4km
1st 2nd 3rdYouth and Nippers
NOT Included
Personal Swim Kit
Any personal insurance
Parking
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What's Optional
Charity Donation
Race T-Shirt (XS - XXL) - £19.50
Race Hoodies (XS - XXL) - £30
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MEET THE ORGANISERS
JP Passmore is Brixham born. He learned to swim with in Brixham swimming Club excelling at Country, and Western County competitions.
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Three years ago, he swam as part of a team across the whole of Torbay in 2 days to raise funds for the RNLI. It was so successful that in Sept 2024 he solo circumnavigated Torbay, a 17.1km swim in just over 5 hours and raised over £3000!
Kate and Ivan Burton run Open Water Devon. They are both qualified Open Water Coaches, Beach Lifeguard trainer assessors, event safety providers and long time sea swimmers.
Kate and Ivan run the successful Burgh Island and Thurlestone Arch Races. This is alongside their Devon tours, coaching, qualification courses and UK based and international week long holidays.
