The 7 km Backwaterman has been the most traditional long-distance race in Austria for 18 years.

The unique fjord landscape in the Ottenstein reservoir offers open water swimmers a pure natural experience. The reservoir is only accessible in a few places and is therefore ideal for exploring by boat, canoe and SUP.

To the start at the "Monkey rock"/Bootsbetrieb Ottenstein you will be transported by bus

The total limit for the 7 km distance is 80 participants.

Mandatory: Due to new official requirements, buoys are mandatory

Accompanying with a canoe or e boat  is for the 7 k prohibited for safety and competition reasons.

Open Water 7k
Program Schedule

Friday, June 27, 2025

• The race briefing will be conducted via Facebook livestream on Friday at 17:00. Questions can be posted. The livestream will later be available as a video on our Facebook page and can be accessed at any time.

• Registration: 18:00 - 19:00

• Arrival at Deckerspitz

Saturday, June 22, 2024

• Registration: 08:15 - 09:15

• Shuttle: 09:30

• Start: Approximately 10:15

Attention: Transport to the start will be by bus.

• Start Location: Approximately 10:15 at Affenfelsen / Boat Operations Ottenstein

• The start will be a mass start.

• Cut-off time: 13:15

• Timing will be done without a chip using an app. The number on your swim cap is important.

Awards Ceremony:

• Everyone is a winner and will receive a trophy at the awards ceremony.
• Overall awards ceremony: Approximately 13:30 at Schloss Waldreichs.

Orientation Notes: We will place some buoys or markers at the critical points on land.

Important:

• If the water temperature exceeds 25°C, neoprene suits are prohibited. However, jammer swimsuits are allowed.

Registration Fees

Late registration fee on-site: +10 EUR

Combination ticket (Saturday/Sunday, one event each): -10 EUR

Refunds available at registration on-site.

Included in the Registration Fee:

• Swim cap
• Starter bag
• Finisher trophy
• Finisher gift
• Water rescue services
• Timing
• Finish line refreshments
• Medical services
• Shuttle
• Post-race refreshments
• Track refreshment at Teufelsfelsen (approximately km 3.5)

Note: The popular Backwaterman towel is available for a special price of 25 EUR (regular value 39 EUR) and can be optionally ordered through the registration system.

Registration Link