No, it’ s not a 1930s dance craze – the‘ Swoosh’ is a tide-assisted swim in South Devon, as Andy Torbet discovers with his dear friend Monty Halls
TORBET ON THE TUBE
PHOTO: DAN BOLT
Doing the Bantham Swoosh
No, it’ s not a 1930s dance craze – the‘ Swoosh’ is a tide-assisted swim in South Devon, as Andy Torbet discovers with his dear friend Monty Halls
The final few days of the school summer holidays was spent, Famous Five style, in South Devon with Monty Halls and family. Monty was, unfortunately, in attendance. I’ m allowed to make derogatory jokes at his expense, as we’ ve known him for two long decades and he’ ll never read this anyway.
Like a more benign and amusing Pied Piper, Monty always produces ideas to get our collective kids – ranging in age from nine to 14 – excited. And this trip was no exception. At breakfast in the morning, as we discussed the plans for the day, he exclaimed“ Swoosh Snorkelling. Torbs – we should go Swoosh Snorkelling!” He had me at‘ Swoosh’.
The estuary at Bantham beach spills out at the famously opulent Burgh Island, backdrop to many an Agatha Christie screen adaption. If a keen snorkeller catches the outgoing river, the Avon, when it combines with the ebbing tide then they are whisked downstream. The water is normally clear with five metres visibility
Monty and family, including pets
Andy finds the way
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