Alkmaar Sport organises successful first Open Water Alkmaar with record number of participants

With an overwhelming turnout of both swimmers and spectators, the very first edition of Open Water Alkmaar, organised by Alkmaar Sport in collaboration with swimming clubs OEZA and DAW, has been a huge success. While organisers had initially expected around 500 participants, considerably more sports enthusiasts ultimately appeared at the start in the Hoornsevaart. This instantly makes the event the largest open water swimming event in the Netherlands.

The programme was spectacular: official KNZB competitions, performance swims over various distances and beach water polo demonstrations. Sports Alderman Christiaan Peetoom of the Municipality of Alkmaar gave the starting signal for the official 1000-metre freestyle and later in the day presented a medal to an enthusiastic participant in the recreational 2000-metre swim.

Super proud

Max Delissen, Swimming Ambassador of Alkmaar Sport, looks back with exceptional pride on this first edition: “We had hoped for a good turnout, but this exceeds all our expectations. It is fantastic to see how many people found their way to the Hoornsevaart, both participants and supporters. The collaboration with swimming clubs OEZA and DAW was excellent. We are super happy that there was so much attention for the event: from media to spectators and other interested parties. It shows that Alkmaar is ready to become the prime location for open water swimming.”

Thank you everyone!

The atmospheric match day was enhanced by summer conditions and a sporting atmosphere in which experienced competitive swimmers, recreational swimmers and youthful debutants entered the water side by side. Moreover, the beach water polo proved to be a popular addition and drew large crowds along the water's edge.”

We would like to thank rowing club ARZV as host and of course all the sponsors and volunteers who helped to make this event possible. Without their dedication this would never have succeeded. We are extremely grateful for that,” adds Max Delissen. Alkmaar Sport will soon evaluate with all parties involved to improve the Open Water Alkmaar even further in 2026. The date for the second edition is already known: Sunday 28 June 2026.