Hitting the road to the Middle Atlas where we were set to cover the much-awaited yearly “Ice Swim in Morocco”, we were amazed by the green landscape where the wind was running through, the tall cedar trees casting their long shadows and the high hills standing as guards, creating a wonderful masterpiece crafted by our mother nature.
When looking from a distance, one can see a huge green shining pearl with tall reeds and plants fringing its edges: it is the Aguelmam Azegza Lake, located exactly 32 km from Khenifra. The scenic road was leading to a charming and captivating venue.
The lake’s rich flora and mesmerizing view make it the perfect location for the International Ice Swim event, which concluded its seventh edition on Saturday.
This year’s iteration brought together more than 100 participants representing eight countries, namely Morocco, the United States, Switzerland, Spain, France, Poland, Serbia and the United Kingdom.
The competition was organized in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Swimming Federation, the Province of Khenifra, the Provincial Council of Khenifra, the Atlas Group, the Commune of Khenifra, the Commune of Aguelmam Azegza and the region’s Waters and Forests Department.
The ice swimmers competed in six different categories, from 50 meters to 1 mile. There were also races of 50 meters breaststroke; and 50m, 100m, 250m, 500m, and 1000m freestyle.
Swimmer and organizer of Ice Swim in Morocco Hassan Baraka told BarlamanToday that this edition is unique as a swimming pool was incorporated in the lake for short distances and open water was used for longer ones. He explained that putting the swimming pool in the lake aims to make first-time participants feel more secure.
“I chose Aguelmam for its cold water, currently at 7 degrees. I found other lakes, but when I came here I fell in love with this place. When you are in the water you feel like you are filled with energy,” Baraka said.
He added that the region is rich with different lakes such as Ouiouane and Tiguelmamine.
“It’s the first time in Morocco and the first time I participate in such competitions. We are really having a lovely time and we are glad to see different people joining this contest,” a participant said. “The atmosphere here is very fantastic as well as the food.”
“It is the third time I participate in this international ice swimming in Morocco, the organization is wonderful and the weather is incredible,” another participant stated.
Triple Guinness world record and legend of Ice swimming, American swimmer Jaimie Monahan also took part in this contest.
During the prize-awarding ceremony, Governor of Khenifra Province Mohamed Fettah handed the awards to the top three winners in each category.
The event concluded at the rhythm of traditional Moroccan instrument “Gambri,” played by singer Farid Ghannam.
The first edition of the Ice Swim in Morocco, the only competition of its kind in the country, was held back in 2018.