Event Review: OMSWIM3.2 Oman – a jewel for swimmers
Jim Boucher reports from a warm and scenic swim in his new backyard
As we lined up and came under the starter’s control, I had a few minutes to reflect upon the race and its surroundings. Almost certainly, nobody I knew in the northern hemisphere was about to start a 5km open water swim in mid-January this year.
In fact, many of my friends back in the UK were readying themselves for the splash and dash, being bold in the cold, doing the shrivel with a wiggle etc., as the UK Cold Water Championships approached.
Oman: A jewel for swimmers
That day, my race was in Oman, the hidden gem of Arabia with nearly 3200km of wonderful coastline. And specifically, I was swimming in Muscat Bay, probably the best open water venue of the lot, with water at around 24 degrees – around 20 degrees warmer than in the Serpentine at that time.
This was the first edition of the MGE OMSwim3.2* and I was excited to be taking part.
The start was (unfortunately for me, as you’ll see below) on the sandy beach in front of the Jumeirah Hotel. I had chosen the 5km, from an offering of 1, 2.5, 5 and 10km races, based on the logic that I’d been out of the water while visiting friends and family over Christmas and my longest previous race in Arabian waters had been the 4.4km Fahal Island Swim. The 10km would have required a bit more gas in the tank, and I reckoned my “seasoned Channel swimmer” credibility would be dented less over 5km.
You want me to run!? In a swimming race!
When the bell rang, we were supposed to run into the water. This is the usual format for the numerous triathlete-based swims here. I used to run quite well as a 40-year-old fly-half when playing rugby but retired when I ceased to dodge young flankers. Now, at 64, I didn’t have a chance. All I saw was a cloud of fine, warm sand kicked up by the speedy youngsters racing ahead. By the time I got into my stroke, the young pups were 300m up the course.
Where’s that buoy?
There had been much excitement about the initial route plan that would hug the borders of Muscat Bay, a natural 5km perimeter amphitheatre of headlands and islands that provides a beautiful swimming circuit (although not so good for spectators). However, the weekend’s weather suggested it would be folly. The organisers wisely opted instead for a 2.5km lap around the island of Jazirat As Suh, 300m off the Jumeirah beach.
The topography of Muscat Bay gives a lot of protection and provides great water-sport activities for the hotel, perhaps with the exception of dinghy sailing! The water was never going to be rough and, from swimming almost every morning in the bay, I could have done it with my eyes shut. Except that would be a mistake, as there is so much worth seeing. The depth ranges from 2-3m at high tide around the island to perhaps a maximum of 15m elsewhere. Early in the morning, I would confidently expect to pass turtles in the shallows. On good days, I spot stingrays and eagle rays in deeper water.
Just keep swimming
On my first lap, I had a long debate with myself about where they had placed the turn buoy beyond the island. As usual, it was further away than I could fathom, so I just put my head down and swam, which is usually the best strategy. My race had around 30 starters, and we spread out quickly, so I didn’t have anyone to follow or scrap with. The buoys were huge, and my aged eyes spotted them easily – despite them being much further away than I expected.
It was simply a lovely swim. I didn’t feel stressed about knowing where I was. The sun was warm but not burning. All I had to do was keep swimming. When I completed my laps, I found myself in the happy position of not having to sprint up the beach to defend my position. I just put in enough of a running effort to stop my partner, Roxy, from thinking I was skiving. As I crossed the finish line, the organisers rang a bell, which was a nice touch.
It turns out I had finished 9th in 1 hour 44 minutes. I was quite pleased about that.
Changing robes not needed
After finishing, there was no need to wrap up warmly and stamp my shivering feet, as I knew I’d be doing back home. At around 4pm, the sun was still beating down upon the bay. Any slight chill from swimming vanished in an instant. I stretched out, relaxed and discussed the swim with my friends while waiting for the longer distance swimmers to finish.
There were cut-off times but most swimmers made these comfortably. Results were processed quickly for the 100 or so competitors and we moved on to presentations from the Jumeirah’s General Manager. She is a keen open water swimmer whom I swim with on Fridays when her lifeguards are doing their training . Much kudos to her and MGE for taking the bold step and organising this event.
Plan early
For a first edition, I was impressed by the organisation and safety – but I do have a couple of recommendations I hope they might consider.
- The event should be publicised earlier, especially if they want to attract an international audience. In my experience, masters and open water swimmers plan far ahead. The 2025 edition clashed with the European cold water “circuit.” Hence me flagging this up now.
- I think they need to give awards to each gender, not just finishers.
- I’d like to see age categories too.
- I’m also claiming credit for them introducing relays for the longer distances.
What else to do
This is not a one-day trip if you live outside of Oman, but it’s a lovely opportunity to build a holiday around a swim. Local swimmers (including me) are planning to organise some relaxed and enjoyable acclimatisation swims before the event. We are happy to provide guidance, boat support and advice to help you make the most of your trip (see below for my contact details).
*The 3.2 in OMSwim3.2 refers to the 3,200km of coastline in Oman
Next event
23/24 January 2026
The OMSWIM3.2 Event will be held in front of the Jumeirah Hotel, Muscat Bay, Oman. Located in the bay of Bandar Jissah, Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a 15-minute drive from Muscat city centre, and a 40-minute drive from Oman’s Seeb International Airport. It’s perfectly situated between the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Race Categories – Adults (18+)
• 1.5 KM – A perfect start for open water beginners.
• 2.5 K – Test your stamina and rhythm.
• 5 KM – Available as Individual or Relay (Team of 2)
• 10 KM – Available as Individual or Relay (Team of 4)
Kids races over shorter distances will be held on the 23rd.
Event Webpage https://www.mege.om/event-details.php?Id=15
Getting here and where to stay
Muscat is on a direct, 7-hour, Omanair flight from London’s Heathrow Airport but better prices and schedule flexibility are available if you transit via Doha (Qatar) and Dubai (Emirates), for example.
A wide range of hotels is available, from opulent luxury to more basic accommodation, including Airbnb and similar (some of these will be easier if you hire a car to help you explore).
A Swimmer’s Life in Oman
I’m lucky to have retired from the excitement of building and worrying about spacecraft and found myself living in the warm, friendly, peaceful country of Oman. I’ve been here with my partner Roxy for just over six years, a place she’d seen and chosen a couple of years before that. We live in an apartment in a modern development overlooking Muscat Bay, or Bandar Jissah to the locals. Ever since I first set foot in the warm water, this bay had “Open Water Venue” written all over it. There is a small but active open water swimming community that swims each week at a couple of locations along the coast. With notice, we can get a pod or posse of swimmers together with a boat and explore other coastal locations. We can reach other amazing locations such as Bandar Khiran, a superb, hidden cove where even the turtles are relaxed and the Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve to the north.
As the MSG OMSwim3.2 event in my backyard, I’m taking this chance to describe it and hopefully enthuse others to come in 2026.
I’d recommend a couple of weeks, allowing time to acclimatise before the race, rest and recover and see Muscat and perhaps go up-country and see other parts of this wonderful country and meet its people. Far away from the glitz of Dubai and the UAE, Oman prides itself on welcoming everyone. The locals are simply the friendliest people. The scenery is superb and not all of it involves swimming. There are 6-star hotels, but there are also wonderful little cafes and restaurants. Happy to help anyone. If you want to know more, send me an email: jboucher.esys@gmail.com
About the Author
Jim Boucher swam the English Channel solo in 2007 and 2011, and has been a member of 7 Channel relays. He has also completed solos of Lake Zurich and New York’s Ederle Swim. A national age-group champion in his younger days, he still competes in Masters swimming and holds national records. He has been UK Cold Water Champion, but is now a strong exponent of warm water swimming! Jim is a committee member of the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation and Surrey County Masters Organiser.
Simon Griffiths
I started Outdoor Swimmer in 2011 (initially as H2Open Magazine) as an outlet for my passion for swimming outdoors. I've been a swimmer and outdoor swimmer for as long as I remember. Swimming has made a huge difference to my life and I want to share its joys and benefits with as many people as possible. I am also the author of Swim Wild & Free: A Practical Guide to Swimming Outdoors 365 a Year, I provide one-to-one support to swimmers through Swim Mentoring and I'm the creator of the Renaissance Swimmer project.
