In our bid to rid the world of Shark Fin Soup & thus the needless slaughter of millions of sharks every month around the world, we came up with a fundraising event we christened Swim for Sharks; a fundraising event for shark and marine conservation. Hosted, organized & funded by our eco team at Big Blue Conservation we are honored, proud and delighted to inform you all of our 2021 Swim for Sharks event in a couple of months on the weekend of the 11th and 12th of September. Since hosting our very first Swim for Sharks event back in 2008, this event has raised thousands of dollars for worthwhile oceanic causes, and all the money raised is split between our friends at www.sharkguardian.org & www.seashepherd.org
As the name suggests, the primary focus of Swim for Sharks does involve some swimming! The main event is a 3.4 kilometer competitive swim around Koh Nang Yuan, on Sunday 12th September 2021, and if you want to enter but not sure you can swim the distance then please come and join our snorkelers in the fun swim around the island. The idea is that all competitors raise sponsorship for their swim, and all donations go to Shark Guardian & Sea Shepherd to support marine conservation, education, and research. Many island locals get quite competitive about their Swim for Shark training, and first place on the winners’ podium is a coveted position! In the grand scheme of things, it’s all just a bit of fun though, and there is lots more going on besides the swim to help raise funds for worthy shark and marine conservation causes:
On Saturday the 11th September we will also be holding our Kids Swim for Sharks – A mini swim where children can get involved in all the fun and activities too. This year we will be taking the kids out to Three Rocks at the south end of Maehaad Bay and thanks to the islands Professional Swimming Coach Nikki Stockdale, the event will be a great day for the kids to really get involved and learn about sharks and go out and have some fun in the ocean.
This Swim for Sharks Weekend will also have sand sculpting, face painting, a raffle with some pretty awesome prizes including a nights stay at some of Koh Tao’s high end villas, dive equipment, free drinks and diving trips, and the generous donations of goods and experiences from companies island wide who always help boost the fundraising total every year without fail. There will also be a Shave for Sharks – Yes, you read that right! What started off as a bit of a joke over beers a few years ago has now become a regular Swim for Sharks event in its own right. The Swim for Sharks head shaving event has become a solid crowd pleaser, and needless to say, many dubious Mohawks have been spotted cruising the streets in the days following!
Even if you don’t take part in the swim, it’s definitely worth joining for a night of fun in the evening. We are known for our big parties and Sunday 15th August will be a party extravaganza with food drinks, live music, dancing and a DJ set.
