Gariep Open,

About the event

The Gariep Open is an exciting annual open-water swimming event hosted by Kovsie Aquatics at the iconic Gariep Dam. Taking place over two days, the event offers swimmers of different ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the challenge and enjoyment of open-water swimming in one of South Africa's most scenic locations.

The event features a range of distances, including 5 km, 3 km, 1 km and 500 m, making it accessible to everyone from experienced competitive swimmers to recreational swimmers, families and those trying open-water swimming for the first time. The 5 km and 3 km events are Swimming South Africa-sanctioned, while the 1 km provides swimmers with an opportunity to earn Midmar Mile seeding.

More than just a swimming competition, the Gariep Open aims to promote open-water swimming, healthy lifestyles, participation in sport and the development of swimmers, while creating an enjoyable weekend experience for athletes, families and supporters.

The Gariep Open 2027 takes place on 16 and 17 January 2027 at A Forever Resort Gariep.

Why should you sponsor?

The Gariep Open provides sponsors with an opportunity to align their brand with a growing and exciting open-water swimming event that brings together competitive and recreational swimmers, families and supporters from across South Africa.

By supporting the event, sponsors can benefit from:

• Brand exposure before, during and after the event through digital marketing, social media, event branding and participant communications.
• Direct access to an engaged audience of swimmers, families, supporters and sports enthusiasts.
• Positive brand association with health, wellness, sport, adventure and an active lifestyle.
• Community and sporting development, supporting the growth and accessibility of open-water swimming.
• On-site activation opportunities to engage directly with participants and spectators.
• Digital and social media exposure through the Gariep Open and Kovsie Aquatics platforms.
• The opportunity to become part of an event that aims to grow open-water swimming and create a memorable sporting experience at one of South Africa's most iconic dams.

Sponsoring the Gariep Open is not only an opportunity for brand visibility, but also an opportunity to support the development of sport, encourage healthy lifestyles and contribute to the continued growth of open-water swimming in South Africa.

Christopher Steven

Kovsie Aquatics is a swimming club committed to developing confident swimmers, dedicated athletes and lifelong friendships through a shared passion for aquatics. The club provides opportunities for swimmers to participate, develop and challenge themselves through competitive swimming and open-water events.

Kovsie Aquatics is also passionate about growing the sport of open-water swimming and creating inclusive opportunities for swimmers of different ages and abilities. Through events such as the Gariep Open, the club brings together competitive athletes, recreational swimmers, first-time open-water participants and families for memorable sporting experiences.

The club has a history of hosting swimming and open-water events and continues to focus on creating professionally organised events that contribute to the growth and development of aquatics in South Africa.

Our vision is simple: to develop confident swimmers, dedicated athletes and lifelong friendships through a shared passion for aquatics.

Contact the Organizer Contact the Organizer