The British Long Distance Swimming Association

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 Open 1st November 2021

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 = £100 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 £8.00 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

Categories              There are 2 categories

1. Championship events for swimmers in traditional swimming costumes/ trunks (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 suits.
2. Swimmers in non-traditional swimwear and wetsuits

1 km 2 km and 3 km Event

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, 2 laps for 2 km 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 due to the next event start time.

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, West Yorkshire, WF14 9BL.

e-mail: balaswim@bldsa.org.uk

On the day entry for 3km, 2km and 1km events. Payment in cash only.

Entries Opened 1st November 2021

1 km Member EventThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY 2 kmThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY3 kmThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY 

6 milesThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY Non Member 6 Mile EntryThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY Non Member 1km, 2km, 3kmThis 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

Entries Open 1st November 2021

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

Entries Now Full. Please join the waiting list

Add me to the waiting list(Waiting List)

Swimmers must be experienced in sea swimming conditions similar to those defined below:

1. Regular sea/lake swim training – at least a few hours per week in temperatures between 12 and 16 degrees C.
2. Ideally the swimmer should have completed a 2-3 hour swim in the temperature range cited above.
3. Swimmers must have a swim time for a mile of no more than 45 minutes.  This swim can have a strong pull from the tide which could take you out from the bay.
4. The swimmer in addition to meeting criteria 1-3, must also have done these without a wetsuit and under BLDSA swim wear rules.

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak escorting them for this event, this can either be provided by us for a fee or you can bring your own. If you decide to bring your own, they must be experienced in rough sea conditions and ideally should have a BCU 2 star award.

The Route

The swim starts from Meadfoot Beach in Torquay across to Fishcombe Bay and then heads back to Meadfoot. Having a good kayaker for this swim is essential since the swimmer can’t navigate and the kayaker can see how the currents are pulling the swimmer.

Accomodation

For those looking for relatively cheap accommodation, there are two Premier Inns in the area;

1. Torquay Sea Front – Seafront, Belgrave Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HE, United Kingdom 
2. Goodrington Sea Front – Tanners Rd, Paignton, TQ4 6LP, United Kingdom

Other recommendations for hotels and bed & breakfasts can be found on the local tourist site – https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/accommodation 

Weather and Conditions

In general, the bay is quite well protected from strong winds – but the race is still very weather dependent. In lead up to the event, the swim secretary, safety officer and race controller will keep a vigilant eye on the forecasts. Usually we use a combination of the following to judge what the conditions may be like; (1) Advice from the coastguard and harbour master in Torbay (2) the met office Inshore Forecast, (3) BBC Weather, (4) Wind Guru and (5) The main shipping forecast. We also have a wealth of experience of the conditions in Torbay from Paignton Sailing Club who help with our safety boat support and have really in depth knowledge of the bay. Our kayakers that we supply are locals too, highly skilled in dealing with tricky sea conditions. With this combination, we’re able to make a well informed decision on whether the race is safe to go ahead, what sort of conditions you as swimmers are likely to face and give you tips on dealing with those too before the start.

if you’re unsure on anything – please just ask us, we’re here to help!

Blogs on BLDSA Torbay

Each year we have swimmers that write about their experience of Torbay, we’ve listed a few below so you see what it’s really like to swim in one of the most stunning events on the BLDSA calendar;

Helen Beveridge – https://outdoorswimmer.com/blogs/the-bldsa-8-mile-torbay-swim-2014

Mark Sheridan  – http://reminiscencesofalongdistanceswimmer.blogspot.de/2012/07/bldsa-torbay-2012.html

Rebecca Hollingsworth – https://intotheocean.wordpress.com/2017/07/02/swimming-the-english-riviera/

Swimmer videos

Chris Astill-Smith – BLDSA Torbay 2017;

Coniston Water is a beautiful body of water set in the stunning scenery of the fells where you can join this popular event. Test yourself to swim the 5.25 miles in the sweet tasting clear water that was so loved by Arthur Ransome and his children of ‘Swallows and Amazons’.

Registration

5.25 miles membersThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY  NON Member Coniston 5.25 mile eventThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

Entries Open 1st November 2021

Any entrant whose entry has been accepted but who is unable to attend shall have their entry fee, less an administrative fee of 50%, refunded provided the Swim Secretary receives a notice of withdrawal not less than Thirty (30) clear days before the date of the Championship.

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak escorting them for this event. You will need to arrange your own kayak and crew. However, we may be able to provide a small number of kayakers for an additional fee.

The event

The course goes from Water Park at the southern end of Coniston Water and you swim until you run out of water, finishing at Monk Coniston at the northern end of the lake.

Please note that we are not allowed to park at Water Park – but you can drop off kayaks in advance. You WILL have time to organise all of the logistical requirements, so all swimmers and kayakers MUST attend the briefing.

This swim is open to all but priority will be given to BLDSA members. Non traditional swimming costumes including wetsuits are allowed.

A presentation of certificates will be held on the beach as soon as possible after the last swimmer has finished.

—

For more information please contact:

Michelle Hardy
Email: swimmermichelle8@gmail.com

Overview

A beautiful swim in a beautiful body of water. The short course swim starts near the Brown Howe car park and you swim down to finish on the beach just before the Bluebird Café. This shorter course is designed to give all swimmers the opportunity to swim in Coniston. Presentation of certificates will take place on the beach once all the swimmers have finished.

If you would like to have a weekend of swimming, you can also enter to swim the full length of the lake (5.25m) on the previous day.

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak escorting them for this event. You will need to arrange your own kayak and crew. However, we may be able to provide a small number of kayakers for an additional fee.

Register

Entries Open 1st November 2021

Coniston Short Course 3.85 milesThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY  NON Member Coniston 3.85 mile eventThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

Any entrant whose entry has been accepted but who is unable to attend shall have their entry fee, less an administrative fee of 50%, refunded provided the Swim Secretary receives a notice of withdrawal not less than Thirty (30) clear days before the date of the Championship.

Prerequisites: You must be over 45 on the day of the swim to enter as a Vet.

The Event

The course goes from Brown Howe down to the beach just in front of the Bluebird Café, for a 3.85m swim.

The swimmers will start in waves to allow swimmers to finish as close to each other as possible.

This swim is open to all but priority will be given to BLDSA members. Non traditional swimming costumes including wetsuits are allowed.

—

For more information for 2022 please contact:

Michelle Hardy
Email: swimmermichelle8@gmail.com

Iconic  Isle of Wight Pier2Pier Sea Swim Event Confirmed.

The IOW Marlins Masters Swim Club are pleased to announce that the 70^th Pier2Pier Sea Swim Isle of Wight event will take place on Saturday 30^th July 2022, starting at 12.00 mid-day alongside Sandown Pier.

Sadly the 2021 event had to be cancelled due to the adverse weather (or high winds causing large waves), and so the organisers held over the entries to the 2022 event.  This year there will be 150 swimmers taking part – 50 are IOW-based swimmers, with 100 coming over to the Island from the mainland.

The swimmers enter the sea from the beach alongside the Sandown Pier, and then swim across the 1.8 miles of the Bay to finish on the beach outside the Shanklin/Sandown Rowing Club. Whilst the results are processed the Rowing Club members supply everyone with well-earned refreshments.

To ensure the safety of the swimmers the crews of the Sandown/Shanklin and the Ryde Inshore Independent Lifeboats, and members of the Shanklin Deep Sea Fishing Club provide powered craft.

The first line of safety is supplied by kayakers, supervised by the Isle of Wight Kayak Club. The organisers are requesting anyone who is a kayaker or canoeist or paddle boarder and can assist to contact Adrian.brown6@talktalk.net with their details.  Please help us to keep this iconic event going by supporting us if you can.

Support for the event has been received from Godshill Model Village, Wight Crystal Water, Tesco Extra Ryde, and also Wightlink and Red Funnel, and we thank them for this.  We are also grateful to Hovertravel and the many island hotels and B&B’s who have carried over last year’s bookings for the visitor entries.

Bob Cooper, Event Referee and Safety Officer said, “After the disappointment of last year’s cancellation it was pleasing that so many of the entrants were happy to hold over to this year.  The Marlins members have also been delighted to see this year’s event be the biggest ever in it’s 70 year history.

It has been pleasing to work in co-operation with RESULTSBASE.COM who are providing the technology to enable improved swimmer registration and timekeeping processes.”

This information is likely to change due to a new swim organiser. We are waiting responses from various lake district officials to finalise details. Please keep checking back on this page and our facebook notifications.

Registration

2pm for 4.15pm starters

5pm for 7pm starters

Briefing time

3.45pm for 4.15pm starters

6.30pm for 7pm starters

Start time

4.15pm or 7pm

Rowing boats are no longer available to hire on the lake so enterants need to source their own Kayak or rowing boat and crew.

Car Parking  – at Fell Foot Park

Swimmers & Crew further information

The course is a straight line course from Waterhead/Ambleside to Fell Foot Park and back.

The finish is to cross the line in line with Jetty marked by a buoy in the water.

The turn is at Fellfoot going through a line of buoys next to the jetty, swimming between the buoys and jetty and giving your number. Your crew are to stay outside this area, you will be guided towards a small boat which is lit up, please go around behind the boat anti clockwise.

At the turnaround point you may be asked questions to ensure  we are happy that you are fit to return back to Waterhead Ambleside.

There are kayaks in the water at this point to guide you past the small lit up boat.

Your crew at this point may want to take a toilet stop, please let the turn safety staff know.

There is also a first aid point here.

Contact Swim Secretary: Stephen O’Brien

Tel: TBA
email: stephen-obrien@sky.com

DOWNLOADEVENT FORM WORD

Entries open awaiting information from swim sec 2021

ULLSWATER Saturday August 13th 2022

DERWENTWATER Sunday August 14th 2022

OVERVIEW

Why not make a weekend of it by entering the North Lakes Challenge and participating in both the Ullswater swim on the Saturday and the Derwentwater on the Sunday (5 mile event only).  This can be completed as a solo swimmer or as a duo swapping role of swimmer and paddler on the second day. Additional certificates will be awarded for completion of this challenge.

Ullswater is the second longest body of water in the Lake District, at 7 miles long Ullswater is often deemed the most beautiful.  The ribbon lake nestles within the foothills of the Helvellyn and High Street ranges, leading to chillier temperatures and bumpier waters as the wind channels down the valley.  

With this in mind, Ullswater can be considered one of the toughest Lake District swims, with stunning views along the entire length of the course.

ULLSWATER, Saturday August 13th 2022

THE EVENT

The swim of 7 miles begin at the southern end of the body of water at Glenridding pier and concludes close to the source of the River Eamont and Lakeland boat hire, in Pooley Bridge.  Advice regarding parking will be issued following entry to the event.

You will need to make your own arrangements for picking up vehicles left at the start of the swim in Glenridding.

Swimmers must provide their own Kayak and paddler for support on the water.  See Boat Crews requirements on the BLDSA website.

Water Temperatures:  Ullswater is a considered one of the chillier swims usually sitting below 16˚c.

Presentation: After the swim, join us in celebrating by friendly presentation in a local cosy pub in Pooley Bridge.  Certificates will be awarded to all swimmers completing the event alongside keepsakes to the winners of the Ladies and Gents Championship and winners of the boys and girls Junior Championship. 

ENTRY CATEGORIES

Championship entry will require BLDSA membership and be non-wetsuit; veterans/ seniors & juniors

Juniors MUST have a Parent or Guardian present AT ALL TIMES during the events.

There will be a number of spaces allocated to a wetsuit category.  All event rules will remain the same, other than swimwear and competing in a separate wetsuit class. 

All swimmers must provide their own kayak and paddler support in the water.

REGISTRATION

Both swimmer and kayaker report to the Swim Secretary upon arrival at Glenridding Steamer Car Park from 7.45am 

BRIEFING

Please Note, attendance to the briefing is mandatory for both the swimmer and kayaker – failure to attend this will void your entry.

START

1st Wave @ 8.30am
2nd Wave @ 9.30am

(Note that times may be subject to change)

FINISH Pooley Bridge near the boat hire

Cut off time 6 hours

ACCOMODATION

There is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from should you wish to stay in this stunning location, from campsites to welcoming B&B’s.  A simple google search will pull up a number of options.

Kayak Support

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

Debbie Taylor 

Swim Secretary

DERWENTWATER, Sunday August 14th 2022

EVENT OVERVIEW:

Derwentwater nestles under Cat Bells with Borrowdale at the southern end. The river Derwent comes into the water here adding a refreshing surprise during the longer triangular swim of 5 miles.

The start for the 5 mile swim, is from the Keswick Launch piers, to the south end of the body of water then east towards Kettlewell beach and back to the piers.

The EVENTS:

Swimmers for both events need to provide their own Kayak and paddler.

Briefing for both swims is on the beach by the Launch piers near the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. There is ample parking.

Presentations will be held on the beach after the last swimmers have completed.

ENTRY CATEGORIES:

Championship entry will require BLDSA membership and is for non-wetsuit swimmers in traditional costumes.

5.00 mile triangular swim seniors / veterans and juniors.

Juniors must have a parent or guardian present at all times during the events.

There will be open category places for both swims, where wetsuits or non-traditional costumes are allowed. If you are a BLDSA member prices are the same.

REGISTRATION:

8.30 am at Keswick Launch Piers.

Briefing for swim 9am. Kayakers must register and attend the briefing.

5.00 mile swim starts at 9.30am.

Finish at the beach near Keswick Launch piers.

Cut off times 5.5 hours.

Accommodation:

There are campsites, a YHA and B&Bs in Keswick.

Kayak Support

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

Swim Secretary

Annie Stafford

Tel 01257 268946

Mob 07768132622

EVENT ENTRY

PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY

Entries Open 1st November 2022

BLDSA Member North Lakes Challenge EntryThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY NON Member North Lakes Challenge EntryThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

ULLSWATER Saturday August 13th 2022

 EVENT OVERVIEW

As the second longest lake in the Lake District, at 7 miles long Ullswater is often deemed the most beautiful.  The ribbon lake nestles within the foothills of the Helvellyn and High Street ranges, leading to chillier temperatures and bumpier waters as the wind channels down the valley.  

With this in mind, Ullswater can be considered one of the toughest Lake District swims, with stunning views along the entire length of the course.

Why not make a weekend of it by entering the North Lakes Challenge and participating in both the Ullswater swim on the Saturday and the Derwentwater on the Sunday (5 mile event only).  This can be completed as a solo swimmer or as a duo swapping role of swimmer and paddler on the second day. Additional certificates will be awarded for completion of this challenge.

THE EVENT

The swim of 7 miles begin at the southern end of the lake at Glenridding pier and concludes close to the source of the River Eamont and Lakeland boat hire, in Pooley Bridge.  Advice regarding parking will be issued following entry to the event.

You will need to make your own arrangements for picking up vehicles left at the start of the swim in Glenridding.

Swimmers must provide their own Kayak and paddler for support on the water.  See Boat Crews requirements on the BLDSA website.

Water Temperatures:  Ullswater is a considered one of the chillier swims usually sitting below 16˚c.

Presentation: After the swim, join us in celebrating by friendly presentation in a local cosy pub in Pooley Bridge.  Certificates will be awarded to all swimmers completing the event alongside keepsakes to the winners of the Ladies and Gents Championship and winners of the boys and girls Junior Championship. 

Swim Secretary: Debbie Taylor 

email: debbie.taylor007@yahoo.com

Mob:07967720798

ENTRY CATEGORIES

Championship entry will require BLDSA membership and be non-wetsuit; veterans/ seniors £80 and juniors £20

Juniors MUST have a Parent or Guardian present AT ALL TIMES during the events.

There will be a number of spaces allocated to a wetsuit category.  All event rules will remain the same, other than swim wear and competing in a separate wetsuit class.  This is offered at a price of veterans/ seniors £130 and juniors £30 if not BLDSA members, BLDSA members will pay standard BLDSA rates. 

All swimmers must provide their own kayak and paddler boat support in the water.

REGISTRATION

Both swimmer and kayaker report to the Swim Secretary upon arrival at Glenridding Steamer Car Park from 7.45am 

BRIEFING

Please Note, attendance to the briefing is mandatory for both the swimmer and kayaker – failure to attend this will void your entry.

1st Wave, slower swimmers @ 8.00am
2nd Wave @ 9.00am

START

1st Wave @ 8.30am
2nd Wave @ 9.30am

(Note that times may be subject to change)

FINISH Pooley Bridge near the boat hire

Cut off time 6 hours

ACCOMODATION

There is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from should you wish to stay in this stunning location, from campsites to welcoming B&B’s.  A simple google search will pull up a number of options.

Debbie Taylor 

Swim Secretary

Kayak Support

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

Registration

PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY

Entries Open 1st November 2021

Ullswater Member EventThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY Ullswater OPEN eventThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

DERWENTWATER, Sunday August 14th 2022

EVENT OVERVIEW:

Derwentwater nestles under Cat Bells with Borrowdale at the southern end. The river Derwent comes into the water here adding a refreshing surprise during the longer triangular swim of 5 miles.

The start for the 5 mile swim, is from the Keswick Launch piers, to the south end of the Lake then east towards Kettlewell beach and back to the piers.

A second, 2 mile swim, sets off a little later from Kettlewell Beach on the eastern shore, with both swims finishing back at the piers together.

For those also swimming Ullswater the day before and entering the longer Derwentwater swim, there is a price reduction and an extra Northern Lakes Challenge Certificate.

Some duos swap, swimming one lake and paddling for the other.

The EVENTS:

Swimmers for both events need to provide their own Kayak and paddler.

Briefing for both swims is on the beach by the Launch piers near the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. There is ample parking.

Presentations will be held on the beach after the last swimmers have completed.

Swim Secretary

Annie Stafford

Tel 01257 268946

Mob 07768132622

ENTRY CATEGORIES:

Championship entry will require BLDSA membership and is for non-wetsuit swimmers in traditional costumes.

5 mile triangular swim seniors and veterans £60, Juniors £10.

2 mile swim senior and veterans £40. Juniors £10.

Juniors must have a parent or guardian present at all times during the events.

There will be open category places for both swims, where wetsuits or non-traditional costumes are allowed. If you are a BLDSA member prices are the same.

For non-members 5 mile seniors and veterans £110 juniors £20.

For non-members 2 mile seniors and veterans £90, juniors £20.

REGISTRATION:

for both swims 8.30 am at Keswick Launch Piers.

Briefing for both swims 9am. Kayakers must register and attend the briefing.

5 mile swim starts at 9.30am.

2 mile swim starts 10.30am at Kettlewell Beach National Trust car park. (NOT AVAILABLE IN 2021)

Both swims finish at the beach near Keswick Launch piers.

Cut off times 5.5 hours and 2.5 hours.

Accommodation:

There are campsites, a YHA and B&Bs in Keswick.

Annie Stafford

Swim Secretary

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak escorting them for this event, the kayaker should 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

Entries Open 1st November 2021

Derwentwater Member EventThis is for MEMBERS ONLY Derwent water OPEN eventThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

This is a challenging swim in a remote area on the Scottish Borders. There are 1km, 3.25 miles and 6.5 mile events, the longer 2 needing a personal escort boat or kayak, provided by the swimmer. In return for your efforts you are treated to unrivalled scenery, refreshment and excellent company. The swim starts and finishes on the Tibbie Sheils campsite, where camping and other accommodation is available.

Contact:
Mrs Janet Wilson
20 Padget Court,
Ben Rhydding Drive,
Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8AU

Tel: mobile number 07957 348328
email: janetwilson22@aol.com

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak escorting them for this event, you need to bring your own, they should be experienced in rough water conditions and ideally should have a BCU 2 star award.

Registration

Online

Entries Open 1st November 2021

1 km Member EventThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY NON Member St Marys 1K EntryThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY 3.25 milesThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY

6.5 miles membersThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY  NON Member St. Mary's eventThis is for NON MEMBERS ONLY

Info PDF, please read before entering

Info

Entries Open 1st November 2021

Saturday 17th September 2022, 9:00am

BLDSA Windermere 10.5 miles Seniors & Juniors – all strokes, non-wetsuit and wetsuit

Windermere is the longest “Lake” in England with a rich history of people completing the swim. The swim starts at Fell Foot park and finishes at the top end of Windermere just after Ambleside Pier. At 10.5 miles it’s a challenging and iconic swim but you will be treated to beautiful scenery all the way up the body of water. We will be allowing wetsuit swimmers to swim along the traditional non-wetsuit swimmers. Only non-wetsuit BLDSA member swimmers will be eligible for the Championship however.

Non member and wetsuit places will be limited and will be issued on a first come basis, assuming all the pre requisite conditions are met.

Categories:

Windermere Non-wetsuit providing own crew – £130

Windermere Non-wetsuit BLDSA providing Kayak & crew – £250

Windermere Wetsuit providing own crew – £130

Windermere Wetsuit BLDSA providing crew – £250

Juniors will be allowed to swim providing they can give proof of experience in events of this magnitude. See options for pricing from £20

Non member prices are as above +£60.00

Pre-requisites include an open water 5.5 mile swim in 3.5 hours.

Swim Secretary: Chris Malpass

Contact us 

Registration

Windermere 10.5 milesThis is for BLDSA MEMBERS ONLY Windermere Open (one way)This is for NON MEMBERS ONLY After Event MealNumber of limited places

Overview

This is an extreme endurance event in variable conditions and water temperatures, requiring the highest level of mental determination. Although full safety cover is provided, the swimmer is expected to source a suitable escort boat and provide crew for it. This aspect of the swim is at least 50 % responsible for success. It is an overnight swim with a staggered start to try to achieve an 8am finish for everyone. Past times have been between 9 and 26 hours!

There are only around 60 people who have completed this swim, the first one being Commander Gerry Forsburg in 1959. As a result of our amazingly successful anniversary relay in 2019 we are offering a new relay event to be held in conjunction with our end to end event. For more information on this please contact Janet as below.

Price £350.

You need to arrange your own support boat and crew, this is a critical requirement and boats on the loch can be booked up to a year in advance. There are not many hire companys on the loch so you need to do your research and get it booked early (i.e. don’t leave booking boats and accomodation until 2023 you need to be getting it sorted now to ensure availability)

Contact:
Mrs Janet Wilson
20 Padget Court,
Ben Rhydding Drive,
Ilkley West Yorkshire
LS29 8AU

Tel: mobile number 07957 348328
email: janetwilson22@aol.com

Registration

Online

Please register your interest for 2023 in this form

Name *

Contact Number *

Email *

Tell us a little bit about your swim history

Submit

Entries Open 1st November 2022

Preliminary Information

Read before entering.

Preliminary information

Accounts of past swims

An interview with the only 2 out of 9 who conquered 21.6mile Loch Lomond in 2014

Mark Sheridan in 2012

Adrian Rotchell in 2016