KNSM Island swimming race (Rondje KNSM Eiland)

The last weekend of August, a 5KM swimming race around the KNSM Eiland, in Amsterdam, all around my house, was held.


As it quickly turned out, you also had to have bollocks just to watch this race.


An athletic lightweight photographing one of the athletic heavyweights warming up. Can't tell which one looks more Zen.



A swimming Tamagotchi, I don't know if it made it safe across the finish.

In preperation, eying the horizon.


Some one applied a year's production of earwax.


Crowded at the starting deck.




Final concentration, just before the start.


Ready.... Steady...


Go!





Just a 4.9 KM to go.




Steadily moving towards the end of the 'Ertshaven'.


While one swimmer is legging behind...


... the frontrunners are already turning onto the IJ (the Egg).


The head of the KNSM Island, with the 'Venetiehof' at the background as the swimmers pass by.


The long stretch towards the head of the Java Island.


Three guys took an early lead.


One direction only, LEFT! An exception is made for 'sport' (according to the sign)!




This guy won prize for most original usage of his arms, I am not sure he ever used them to swim with.



The first-aid poeple did not have to break a sweat to keep up the race pace.



The final leg in the IJhaven.


A 'harborfriend' with a big sister.



The winner lashing out his final strokes.



Then turning back the boat to support some of the floaters still out there.


This guy lost his sense of direction, or it could be that he gave up in the final yards, turned around and swam all the way back.



Of course the obligatory press conferences : 'Please can you tell us what went through your mind when you crossed the line?'.

'I found a floating cap... has anyone seen my speedo?'




Not using the OVF, and not using the LCD...


The pace was a bit too slow for this kid.

Camera on duty, Nikon D200 + Nikkor 18-200VR.