Barbados Open Water Festival holds a special place in my heart! Every time I’m here, it fills me with pure joy. The friendly people, the vibrant culture, and of course, those stunning beaches! No matter where you are on your open water journey, whether you're racing to crush your goals, just out for a fun swim, new to the open water scene, or fine-tuning your race strategy – there’s a spot for you! I feel so privileged to return to this incredible island whenever I can, and if you ever get the chance to visit, you’ll see why!
—Canadian Olympic swimmer Steph Horner, champion of the 3.3km race
The Barbados Open Water Festival (BOWF) celebrated its 10th anniversary in grand style, drawing over 500 participants to the crystal clear waters of Carlisle Bay. The event, held from November 6th to 10th, welcomed swimmers from 18 countries, with 382 visitors traveling to Barbados to be part of this unforgettable celebration of sport, camaraderie, and natural beauty.
The festival kicked off with practice swims and lively social gatherings that showcased the island’s famous beaches. The official races began on November 9th, with a thrilling 1.5km competition with a record breaking 489 swimmers taking to the water. The excitement continued the following day with the 3.3km, 5km, and 10km races, where 271 swimmers competed in a vibrant display of endurance and skill.
Swimming with Sea Life in Carlisle Bay
For many participants, the races offered more than just a competition; they were an opportunity to immerse themselves in Carlisle Bay's turquoise waters, teeming with turtles and tropical fish. This unique blend of sport and nature has become a defining feature of the festival, captivating swimmers from around the world.
Canadians Top Leaderboards
Among the standout competitors were members of the 15-member Canadian Pan-Provincial National Team, who dominated the leaderboards. The Canadians secured top finishes in the 1.5km, 5km, and 10km events, claiming nine of the top ten spots in the 1.5km race. Local talent shone brightly, however, as Barbadian swimmer Luke McIntyre captured 9th place, breaking the Canadian sweep.
In the 5km event, McIntyre impressed again with a strong 4th-place finish, while fellow Barbadians Matthew Lashley and Brendon Gill placed 7th and 8th, respectively.
Local Heroes Shine Bright
Barbadian swimmers held their own against fierce international competition. Fifteen-year-old Victor Ashby claimed The Chris and Peter Gibbs Trophy as the top Barbadian male in the 10km marathon, while Masters swimmer Brett Massiah triumphed in the 5km race to secure the Jonathon Morgan Memorial Trophy. Alison Pile was the top Masters Female in the 5km, and Amanda Garcia was awarded the Clarke Family Trophy as the top Barbadian female in the 10km.
Raising the Bar for 2025
“This year’s festival proved to be one of the most exciting editions yet with the involvement of elite swimmers,” said BOWF Event Organizer Zary Evelyn. “This not only raised the standard of competition but also provided invaluable learning experiences for our young local swimmers. We therefore plan to attract an even greater number of elite swimmers for 2025.”
The Barbados Open Water Festival has cemented itself as a must-attend event for swimming enthusiasts and travelers alike. Whether competing, cheering from the shore, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery, attendees leave with unforgettable memories—and a deep appreciation for this extraordinary island.