Events

British Long Distance Swimming Association One Hour Swim Challenge 2021

A bulk entry form for 30 or more swimmers is available by emailing the swim secretary at bldsaonehourchallenge@gmail.com and requesting either an individual or team entry form. You will need to enter the first entrant online through the forms above then the bulk form will be generated and emailed to you. YOU MUST CONTACT bldsaonehourchallenge@gmail.com for instructions regarding the bulk form entry.

Welcome to the BLDSA One Hour Swim Challenge 2021.

Prices for entry are as follows

UK Individual £5.50    UK Team Entry £5.50

International Individual £7.00    International Team Entry £7.00

Dear Swimmers

Welcome to the BLDSA One Hour Swim Challenge 2021.

The aim of the One Hour Swim Challenge is to swim as far as you can in a pool in one hour.

There are two competitions: individual and team. Swimmers all enter the individual competition.  If they wish, they can then enter the team event as well. Teams must consist of 3 swimmers of the same age group and gender. Medals are awarded to the first 3 teams in each age group.

The swim can take place any time during January and February, in a pool that is at least 25 yards long.  The closing date is 1^st March. Each entrant will receive a cloth badge as a souvenir of the event and Bronze, Silver and Gold medals will be awarded to individual and team entrants in each age category, for able-bodied and disabled swimmers.

The swim is open to all – any age, any ability! You do NOT have to swim solidly for an hour, just go as far as you can. This is your chance to pit yourself against your own personal best distance swum in an hour or to set yourself a target to go for next year. Age categories (male/ female) range from under 10s – 85+.

For disabled entrants, categories of disability are as follows:

H1. Ambulant: those with a predominantly physical disability

H2. Wheelchair: those who spend most of their time in a wheelchair

H3. Non-physical: those with a non-physical disability, ie. mental or sensory disability

Club coaches should decide the most suitable category for each swimmer.  Please choose the appropriate option on the online entry form. Bulk entry forms are available from bldsaonehourchallenge@gmail.com for a minimum of 30 swimmers. Smaller groups of swimmers can be entered via the online form very quickly.

Good luck with your swim!

Best wishes

Caroline Lewis

One Hour Swim Challenge Secretary

The Swim

The objective of the swim is for individual swimmers to achieve the greatest possible distance within one hour. The swim must be completed in the months of January and February. The incoming results will be listed in order of the distance completed, in the individual age categories as detailed below.

Badges & Medals

Every entrant will receive a souvenir BLDSA One Hour Swim Challenge embroidered badge as a memento of having taken part in the swim.

The first 3 swimmers in each age category will receive Bronze, Silver and Gold medals respectively.

In the team swim, members of the first three teams in each age group will receive BLDSA medallions.

Location

You may use any swimming pool 25 yards in length, or longer. Entries must be in complete numbers of metres – no decimal places accepted.

All results will be in metres.

Eligibility

Entry will be accepted from any swimmer, you do not need to be a member of a club, with age groups from under 10`s to over 85`s, please see below. Entries can only be accepted online and accompanied by the correct entry fee.

Individual Categories (Men & Women)

Under 10s         10-11 yrs           12-13 yrs           14-15 yrs           16-17 yrs           18-19 yrs

20-24 yrs           25-29 yrs           30-34 yrs           35-39 yrs           40-44yrs            45-49 yrs

50-54 yrs           55-59 yrs           60-64 yrs           65-69 yrs           70-74 yrs           75-79 yrs

80-84 yrs           85 yrs +

Team Categories

Under 10s         10-11 yrs           12-13 yrs           14-15 yrs           16-17 yrs           18-19 yrs

25yrs +             35yrs +             45yrs +             55yrs +             65yrs +

A team must consist of 3 swimmers of the same sex and all swimmers in a team must be first claim members of the same club. Individual swimmers may only be entered into one team in this competition.

To enter the team event, all swimmers must have already entered the individual event. For the under 10’s, 10-11 years, 12-13 years, 14-15 years, 16–17 years and 18–19 years age groups, each swimmer must be that age or under.

For all other teams, the youngest member will determine which category the team is in, and all swimmers must be older than that category.

All age categories are calculated on ages on 1st January, in the year of the swim.

For disabled entrants, categories of disability are as follows:

H1. Ambulant: those with a predominantly physical disability

H2. Wheelchair: those who spend most of their time in a wheelchair

H3. Non-physical: those with a non-physical disability, ie. mental or sensory disability

Counters

Each swimmer must provide their own counter who can act as timekeeper and starter. Each counter must be a responsible person.

Entry For More Than One Event

This is quite acceptable, provided 2 entries are completed and two entry fees are paid.

Closing Date

All entries must be made online no later than 1st of March.

Results will be posted as soon as possible after the closing date.  Medals and badges will, likewise, be posted out to entrants at the earliest opportunity.

One Hour Swim Challenge Secretary 2021: Caroline Lewis

bldsaonehourchallenge@gmail.com

Time Delay

No medallions or souvenir badges will be forwarded until the adjudication is complete. Please do not expect to hear from us until May or June. Overseas results and souvenirs will be mailed via airmail.

Postal Swim Secretariat

All online entries and must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee.

Results will be posted as soon as possible after the closing date.  Medals and badges will, likewise, be posted out to entrants at the earliest opportunity.

One Hour Swim Challenge Secretary 2020: Caroline Lewis

A bulk entry form is available by emailing the swim secretary at bldsaonehourchallenge@gmail.com and requesting either an individual or team entry form. You will need to enter the first entrant online through the forms above then the bulk form will be generated and emailed to you. YOU MUST CONTACT bldsaonehourchallenge@gmail.com for instructions regarding the bulk form entry.

bldsaonehourchallenge@gmail.com

Sunday 16^th May 2021

Nottingham, U.K.

Colwick Park Open.

Open Water Swim Festival.

Individual and team relay events, wet-suit and traditional pool swimwear categories.

1k, 2k, 3k, 4k and 5k races.

Simply pick your distance and your favourite stroke

Start times.     Morning events.              Entry Fees.

11:00              2k,3k,4k and 5k                    £20 – £40 (solo swimmers.)

11:00              5k relay                                 £40 (3 – 5 swimmers.)

Afternoon sprint.

13:30             1k                                          £10 (free entry to 5K solo entrants.)

Colwick Park is the first open water British Long Distance Swimming Association event of the 2021 season. This small, sheltered lake is ideally situated to the south of Nottingham at Colwick Park watersports centre. Make a sharp, early start to your summer of events at Colwick, whether you are a seasoned open water swimmer or a novice triathlete, get ahead of the pack at a friendly and competitive swim meet. B.L.D.S.A. events are the benchmark for water sports safety, fully insured with comprehensive safety rib and kayak cover, first aid facilities and open water swim advice.

Register

BLDSA Member Colwick Park Relay EntryThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY  BLDSA Member Colwick Park EventsThis is for MEMBERS ONLY

NON Member Colwick Park EntryThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY  NON Member Colwick Park Relay FormThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

Entries for the 1 km are on the day.

Registration on the day

1km – 9:00am report to the Swim Secretary on arrival – Swimmers MUST register.

3km & 5km – 10:00am report to the Swim Secretary on arrival – Swimmers MUST register.

Briefing

1km – 9.30am – All swimmers must attend.

3km & 5km – 11:00am – All swimmers must attend.

Start

1km – 10:00am

3km & 5km – 11:30am

(Note that times may be subject to change)

Time limit

There will be a time limit of 3.5hours on this swim.

Presentations

The presentation will be held on the lake side or in the Adventure Centre as soon as possible after the last swimmer finishes.

Non UK Residents

Non UK Residents must provide evidence of membership of their governing body or individual insurance for Open Water Swimming.

Location

From the North leave the M1 at junction 26 and follow the A610 into Nottinham City Centre then follow the signs for Trent Bridge, Nottingham Racecourse and Colwick Park.

On reaching Nottingham Racecourse follow A612 Southwell Road keeping Nottingham Racecourse on your right.  After the Toby Carvery Restaurant turn right at the second set of traffic lights into Mile End Road.  Then immediately right into River Road which leads into Colwick Park.  To gain entry into the park you will need a £2 to raise the barrier (your exit is free) then follow the road through the park until you reach West Lake and Colwick Park Adventure Centre.

From the South leave the M1 at junction 24 and follow the A453 towards Nottingham then follow directions as above.

For those people who wish to use sat nav the post code for the park is NG4 2DW

Emergency Safety Cover

Emergency Safety cover will be provided; at a minimum this will include the BLDSA rescue boat and a number of canoes spaced around the course.

General Information

All persons are advised to report any incidents, including near misses, to a nominated person who shall be named at the championship briefing meeting.

The BLDSA has in place Anti-Bullying and Child & Vulnerable Adult Policies. Copies of which may be obtained from the BLDSA Safeguarding Officer.

Any person associated with the swim is expected to pay any car park charges that may be due from the parking of their vehicle.

Facilities

We are most fortunate to have access to the new Adventure Centre on the lakeside where there are showers toilets and changing facilities.

—

For more information please contact:

Kevin Welsh

kevinwelsh@btinternet.com

Overview

One of our toughest swims on the calendar, but not for the total distance (9 miles). You will swim each of the three events (Non-wetsuit only), but with an interval between each swim and the challenge is not getting too cold swim to swim and being able to complete the 3 events.

Entries Full.  Join the waiting list

Waiting list

The Event

The senior Champion of Champions events will consist of three swims – over 10 laps, 6 laps and 2 laps of a designated course in Dover Harbour. Each lap will be 1/2 mile – the course being set using GPS. All competitors shall enter all 3 events.

To complete the full Champion of Champions event, competitors must complete all three swims and the Championship will be decided on the basis of the lowest aggregate times

In order for competitors to complete the full Champion of Champions event, they must complete each individual event before the designated time for the start of the next element

Water Temperature for this weekend of the year has averaged 14.3 degrees Celsius over the last 10 years. The event has taken place in lower temperatures (12 degrees in 2013) so make sure you are prepared. Come with a buddy for support, make sure you have lots of hot drinks plus nourishment you can access between swims. A small tent is advisable to keep you away from the elements between swims.

Age Categories

Seniors & Juniors

• Only open to BLDSA members and this is a NON-WETSUIT event.
• All three events = £90 Seniors, £20 Juniors
• Juniors MUST have a Parent or Guardian present AT ALL TIMES during the events.

Registration

Report to the Swim Secretary upon arrival at the Start site at ‘Swimmers Beach’ (on the beach opposite Cinque Ports Yacht Club) from 8am.

Briefing

Please Note, attendance of the briefing is mandatory – failure to attend this will void your entry. This will be held on the beach.
5mile swim @ 8.45am
3mile swim @ 1:15pm
1mile swim @ 4:15pm

Start

5 mile swim – 9:15am
3 mile swim – 1:30pm
1 mile swim – 4:30pm

(Note that times will be subject to change)

Course

Will be around 3 buoys spaced out in approximately a triangle which will be set within the broader designated swimming area of Dover Harbour. This is clearly marked out by yellow buoys. Swimmers must pass outside each of the buoys on each circuit in a clockwise direction. Each time a swimmer passes the start point at the completion of each lap, they must clearly give his/her number to the Lap Recorders who will be in the lap counting boat. The start, finish and more details of the course will be outlined at the briefing.

Time limits

BE AWARE there will be VERY STRICT time limits as follows – this is to protect YOUR safety and to ensure the smooth running of the swim:
5 mile swim – 4 hours, 3 mile swim – 2 1/2 hours, 1 mile swim – 50 mins (The slowest finisher easily completed within these time frames in recent years)

Non UK Residents

Non UK Residents must provide evidence of membership of their governing body or individual insurance for Open Water Swimming.

Location

Swimmers Beach (where the Channel Swimmers usually train) on the beach opposite from the Cinque Ports Yacht Club on the Esplanade

You will need to ‘Pay and Display’ about £7.00 all day on the sea front. Other car parks are available near by. Most sea front hotels offer free parking. More details on Parking are available at Dover Council website.

Emergency Safety Cover

Safety cover will be provided by ca. 8-10 canoeist lifeguards, and by the BLDSA rescue boats. Given the difficulty in ensuring sufficient canoe cover, swimmers are encouraged to bring their own canoeists if possible.

Presentations

The presentation will take place on the beach at approximately 6:00pm.

Certificates will be awarded to all swimmers completing the full Champion of Champions event.

Certificates will also be presented to all competitors finishing individual races.

General Information

The Championship will be held in the recreational area of the harbour. Nevertheless, it will be a very demanding swim and the following points should be taken into account before entering:

* The swim is early in the season and water temperatures can often still be cold. In 2013 the temperature was 12 degrees Celsius and in 2014 the temperature was 15 degrees Celsius. The average over the last 10 years during this weekend in Dover is 14.3 degrees. Do not fool yourself by training in 20+ degree conditions thinking that will be the same!

* The harbour is the largest man made harbour in the UK and can be influenced by wind and swell out side the protective breakwaters.

* The harbour is also subject to tidal flow (The swim course is in a low flow area and parallel to the swim).
Serious training is needed before attempting an open water of this magnitude, nevertheless all the above will add to the enjoyment of the swim and I encourage you to enter.

All persons are advised to report any incidents, including near misses, to a nominated person who shall be named at the championship briefing meeting.

The BLDSA has in place Anti-Bullying and Child/ Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policies. Copies of which may be obtained from the BLDSA Safeguarding Officer.
Any person associated with the swim is expected to pay any car park charges that may be due from the parking of their vehicle.

Accommodation

Try the nearest Premier Inn on the Esplanade or go to www.booking.com

SWIM INFORMATION

Age Categories           Junior & Senior

Race Categories         There are 2 categories

1. Championship events for swimmers in traditional swimming costumes/ trucks (must not extend beyond the end of the shoulder onto the upper arm and lower than the crotch onto the upper leg) – i.e. No wetsuits or body suites.
2. Swimmers in non-traditional swim wear and wetsuits

1 km Event and 3 km Championship

Registration                 9:00am – Report to the Swim Secretary upon arrival at the Start site.

Briefing                        9.30am on the stone jetty at the lake café car park

Start                            10.00am from the stone jetty at the lake café car park

Course

The start and finish will be from an imaginary line between a buoy and the end of the stone jetty at the lake café car park.  A triangular course will be formed from the jetty, up the lake, round a first buoy across to a second buoy and return to the jetty.  Swimmers will complete one lap for 1km and 3 laps for 3 km.

Conditions of Entry

1. This swim is open to both members and non-members of the BLDSA.
2. Caps – Breaststroke swimmers must wear a PINK swimming cap. Novice swimmers may wear yellow to alert safety crews to pay extra attention to them. All other swimmers can wear any other colour swimming cap except pink or white.    Note – only one cap may be worn which have no insulating properties.

Time limit

There will be a time limit of 1.5 hours for the 1km and 2.5 hours for the 3km swim – this limit will be rigidly enforced.

Presentations

The presentation for the 1km Championships, will take place, next to the Stone Jetty as soon as possible after the swim (around 13:15 pm).

6 Mile – Two Way Championship

Registration                 11.45am – Report to the Swim Secretary upon arrival at the Start site.

Briefing                        12.00am on the stone jetty at the lake café car park

Start                            1:00pm from the stone jetty at the lake café car park

Course

The swim will consist of two lengths of Bala Lake, starting and finishing across an imaginary line from the end of the stone jetty at the lake café car park.  The route to be taken will be from headland to headland.  Swimmers must give their number to the Turning Judge as they round the turning boat at the far end of the lake.

Conditions of Entry

1. For this swim all swimmers must provide their own safety cover, which shall be either a canoe and canoeist or rowing boat and boat crew. No swimmers will be allowed to participate in this event if they have not provided their own support. NO INFLATABLE KAYAKS ALLOWED
2. All support craft are to fly a Flag Alpha while escorting their swimmer, failure to do so will result in disqualification.
3. Caps – Breaststroke swimmers must wear a PINK swimming cap. Novice swimmers may wear yellow to alert safety crews to pay extra attention to them. All other swimmers can wear any other colour swimming cap except pink or white. Note – only one cap may be worn which have no insulating properties.

Time limit

There will be a time limit of 5.5 hours on this swim – this limit will be rigidly enforced.  However, if you feel that you wish to swim and have worries that you might be just outside this finish time, then by agreement with the swim secretary, there may be a possibility that you can start your swim up to half an hour earlier.

Presentations

The presentation for the 6 mile Championships, will take place, next to the Stone Jetty at 6:30 pm. Or as soon as reasonably possible as the last swimmer finishes if this a much earlier

Contact:
Philip Yorke

50 Heathfield,
Mirfield, W Yorks, WF14 9BL.

e-mail: balaswim@bldsa.org.uk

On the day entry for 3km and 1k events. Payment in cash only.

1 km Member EventThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY 3 kmThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY 6 milesThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY

NON Member Bala 6 Mile EntryThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY Bala Open 1k & 3KThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

3 Mile – One Way Championship (Junior and Senior)

Registration                 11.15am – Report to the Swim Secretary upon arrival at the Start site.

Briefing                        11.45am on the Public Beach at Llangower

Start                            12.30 noon from the Public Beach at Llangower

Course

The swim will consist of one lengths of Bala Lake, starting from an imaginary line from the end of the stone jetty. Swimmers will swim across the lake to a large orange BLDSA buoy which they will turn around clockwise, on the right shoulder.  Swimmers will then continue headland to headland along the side of the lake until they reach the stone jetty. Swimmers will finish by touching the jetty and calling out their number.

Conditions of Entry

1. For this swim all swimmers must provide their own safety cover, which shall be either a canoe and canoeist or rowing boat and boat crew. No swimmers will be allowed to participate in this event if they have not provided their own support. NO INFLATABLE KAYAKS ALLOWED
2. All support craft are to fly a Flag Alpha while escorting their swimmer, failure to do so will result in disqualification.
3. Caps – Breaststroke swimmers must wear a PINK swimming cap. Novice swimmers may wear yellow to alert safety crews to pay extra attention to them. All other swimmers can wear any other colour swimming cap except pink or white. Note – only one cap may be worn which have no insulating properties.

Time limit

There will be a time limit of 3.5hours on this swim – this limit will be rigidly enforced.  However, if you feel that you wish to swim and have worries that you might be just outside this finish time, then by agreement with the swim secretary, there may be a possibility that you can start your swim up to half an hour earlier.

Presentations

The presentation for the 3 mile Championships, will take place at the finish end of the lake, next to the pontoon as soon as possible after the swim (around 3:00pm).

Contact:
Philip Yorke

50 Heathfield,
Mirfield, W Yorks, WF14 9BL.

e-mail: balaswim@bldsa.org.uk

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak escorting them for this event, the kayaker must be experienced in rough waters and head wind conditions and ideally should have a BCU 2 star award.

** PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY **

3 miles SundayThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLYNON Member Bala 3 Mile EntryThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

If supplying your own canoeist they must be experienced in sea conditions.

The BLDSA Torbay Championship takes place across a large, semi-circular bay on the south coast of Devon, famous for its beautiful long sandy beaches, stunning views, red sandstone cliffs and crystal clear waters. The 8 mile starts from Meadfoot beach in Torquay across to the turnaround point at Fishcombe Cove near Brixham. It’s recognised as one of the toughest swims on the BLDSA calendar and a history dating back to the 1950s and still has records that stand from the 1980s, where Karen Toole set a record time of 2 hours 42 minutes (1983) and Lyndon Dunsbee in 2 hours 40 minutes (1986). The event remains only one of two sea swims that the association runs annually.

Once the swim is entered if the swimmer cancels their entry they only receive a 50% refund up to 30 days before the date of the swim.   If they cancel their entry within 30 days of the date of the swim window no refund is available.

Swim Secretary: Steve Price – info@torbayswim.co.uk

torbayswim@bldsa.org.uk

This event is NON-WETSUIT only.

Register

Register   NON Member Torbay RegistrationThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

Register(Waiting List)