Yorkshirewoman Plans To Defend Bog Snorkelling Title

Joanne Pitchforth, from Heckmondwike will be defending her world title at the World Bog Snorkelling Championship at Waen Rhydd peat bog, near Llanwrtyd Wells in mid Wales on Monday.

Joanne, a teacher by day and an underwater hockey player in her spare time set the world record in 2007 when she completed two lengths of the 55 metre bog in just 1 minute 35.18 seconds. Kirsty Brown came first in last year’s event, but Joanne’s record time still stands.

Joanne is preparing to enter the event again this year, she has competed every year since 2004 and says her underwater hockey playing has helped her hone her record breaking technique.

“It is all about technique. So many people just throw themselves in and hope for the best, but my experience in underwater hockey means I keep my head up and hands out in front as well as balancing to get my way across.” Joanne told the Huddersfield Examiner.

The World Bog Snorkelling Championship has been held every August Bank Holiday Monday since 1985 and is believed to have been founded by drunken pub patrons from Gloucester in the 1970s. Now the event is organised by Green Events and receives corporate sponsorship. The money raised goes to help local charities. Competitors are allowed to use flippers, goggles and a snorkel but mustn’t use a recognised swimming stroke.

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