This festival is fabulous for families and beginners just as much as it it for hardened athletes. I did this distance so I could swim with my daughter, providing her with challenge that I could experience with her. I loved watching her confidence grow as wide as the smile that first appeared as she saw the finish line but was full on when she received her medal and wanted a photo. Thanks again, Henley Swim. And a final shoutout to Juliet who has helped us so much over the years (including this one) ranging from general enquiries and my errors to returning a dropped driving licence. We love all your fabulous support.

The pre race information was detailed and timely, telling you all you needed to know and giving detailed description of how to get to event avoiding annoying local village residents. I really enjoyed my swims, the route was straightforward and the River exit was obvious. On water safety guides were plentiful, friendly and helpful. Things could be improved slightly: the tannoy was difficult to hear and a few simple signs to the start would have helped, though all marshals were very happy to help and knew detail. I gulped a big mouthful at one point but have had no ill effects and the River didn't smell at all. I'd enquired before about quality and although they tested at Selkie classic a couple of weeks before and quality was excellent, they said they couldn't test on the day and get results. Don't understand why as I'd swum in Wye a month ago with a swim coach who tested quality there and then. Some rinsing facility at the end would have been good. Aid station at end of mile just had water, some energy snacks and electrolyte would have been useful. I just came for the Sunday. Trade stands were good and varied, good food. Overall I had a great day, helped by good weather but it was very expensive so not sure if pay that much to do it again.

An amazing weekend, blessed with good weather and fabulous friends. We really appreciated the friendly support crews at every point of this event, I certainly felt cheered on and congratulated at each stage, thank you. I would like to have been able to camp on the Sunday night too, this would have been a great way to relax and recover rather than a 4 1/2 hour drive home. Its one of the events I’m very likely to be entering again.