The swim offers a range of options - 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k. I did the 5k and started along with the 2.5k wave - the 1.5k went after we had finished. 

Registration was easy and car parking was straightforward - the fee is £5 but that provides for all weekend parking if you also want to watch Outlaw on Sunday. Parking logistics were far better than the last time I attended the National Water Sports Centre for an event... 

Logistics for the swim were reasonable - this being Outlaw, most of the registration facilities were dedicated to Outlaw and the queue for the swim was fairly long when I arrived (around 70 mins before the start). In the end, another queue was opened for the 2.5k swimmers, which ensured that competitors could be processed quickly and the start wasn't delayed. Once changed, I asked a number of support staff where the bag drop was located, but no one seemed to know. I eventually found it located immediately next to the start. 

The site was gearing up for Outlaw and it was good to get into the spirit with many of the competitors getting ready for the event on Sunday. 

The swim was very well supervised with many kayaks and the course was easy to navigate - we swam along one side and turned right at the orange buoys. Water quality was fantastic - one of the clearest places I've swam open water. The safety brief was clear too and the camaraderie at the start was unbeatable  

The 5k swim is a 2 lap course with Aussie exit and feed station. Cola and energy gels were much appreciated after the first lap. There was also cola and water at the end. Support was excellent from both the Outlaw competitors and the 1.5k competitors  

Finishers bling was a medal and we got to keep the swim cap too (good quality). Overall, a well organised 5k event and I'd definitely consider entering again (if I'm not doing Outlaw the next day!).