The British Long Distance Swimming Association

Coniston Water is a beautiful lake 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

Entries closed.

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak escorting them for this event. You will need to bring your own, 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. This is why we allow so much time between the briefing and the start (see below). 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.

Timing

Time   – 8:30am registration; 9:30am briefing; 12noon swim start

The presentation will be on the beach as soon as possible after the last swimmer has finished.

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For more information please contact:

Michelle Hardy
Email: swimmermichelle8@gmail.com

Overview

A beautiful swim in a beautiful lake. 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 want, 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.

Register

Entries closed.

*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 for all and allows non traditional swimming costumes including wetsuits.

Timings

9am registration; 10am briefing; 11:30am swim start

The certificate presentation will be on the beach as soon as possible after the last swimmer has finished.

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For more information for 2020 please contact:

Michelle Hardy
Email: swimmermichelle8@gmail.com

5/ 3/ 1 MILES, SENIOR/JUNIORS/OPEN

EVENT DETAILS

OVERVIEW

We are recreating one of our toughest swims on the calendar, The BLDSA Classic Champion of Champions 9 mile challenge. Each competitor will swim the three events (Non-wetsuit only), with an interval between each swim. The challenge is getting warm, refuelled and then getting ready to get back in the cold water for the next event.

The open event is available to any swimmer including non traditional costumes and wetsuits.

Entries closed.

THE EVENT

The senior Champion of Champions events will consist of three swims –5 miles, 3 miles and then 1 mile- 10 laps, 6 laps and 2 laps of a designated course. 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 placings 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

We recommend swimmers bring food and drink to refuel, suitable warm, dry clothing to wear between events, and bring a support buddy to look after you and cheer you on.

AGE CATEGORIES

Seniors & Juniors

• Open to BLDSA members and Non Members. Wetsuits and non traditional costumes are allowed.
• All three events = £90 Seniors, £20 Juniors – Non members pay event fee plus £50
• Juniors MUST have a Parent or Guardian present AT ALL TIMES during the events.

REGISTRATION

Report to the Event Swim Secretary upon arrival. The registration point will be signposted at Holyhead sailing club from 8am.

BRIEFING

Please Note, attendance of the briefing is mandatory – failure to attend this will void your entry. This will be held at Holyhead Sailing Club
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

A  ½ mile course will be clearly marked out in the harbour off Newry beach. Swimmers must swim around the outside  of each of the buoys on each circuit as detailed in the swim briefing . Every time a swimmer completes a lap, they must clearly give their swim number to the lap Recorders. The start, finish and position of the lap recorders will be outlined at the briefing.

 TIME LIMITS
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

Holyhead Sailing Club/ Newry Beach, Holyhead

SAFETY COVER

The 2 BLDSA fast rescue boats will be in attendance at the event and will be supported by support kayakers and other support vessels dispersed around the course. We will have designated first aid support available throughout the event.

PRESENTATIONS

The presentation will take place at Holyhead Sailing Club .

Trophies will be awarded to the winner of the Ladies and Gents Champion of Champions event. 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 Holyhead, on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey. We are bringing the popular Champion of Champions event format to Wales. Many swimmers over the years have taken on this challenge in locations in The South and North of the UK to help prepare for channel solo and relay swims. By locating the swim in Holyhead we can hopefully  some local swimmers from Wales and swimmers from over the sea but in easy reach on The Isle of Man and Ireland to take on the event too.

ACCOMMODATION

Holyhead itself has a selection of B &B’s and hotels, including a Travelodge and there are also plenty of accommodation options within driving distance in the popular tourist locations of Treaddur Bay (10 min drive) & Rhosneigr (approx. 20 min drive)

There are also plenty of Campsites around Holyhead.

ORGANIZER

Liane Llewellyn Hickling

liane.llewellyn@btinternet.com

800m and 1 mile OPEN EVENTs

EVENT DETAILS

OVERVIEW

On the Sunday morning following our BLDSA Champion of Champions Wales event we will be holding 800m and 1 mile open events. These events can be entered by non BLDSA members, Wetsuit swimmers and non- wetsuit swimmers. The events will raise money for Holyhead RNLI

Entries closed.

THE EVENT

800m event: 1 lap around course

1 mile event: 2 laps around course

Each lap will be 1/2 mile – the course being set using GPS.

• Open to NON BLDSA & BLDSA members. WETSUITS ALLOWED
• Entry fees:
• 800m = £10, 1 Mile= £20
• Juniors MUST have a Parent or Guardian present AT ALL TIMES during the events.

REGISTRATION

Report to the Event Swim Secretary upon arrival. The registration point will be signposted at Holyhead sailing club from 8am.

BRIEFING

Please Note, attendance of the briefing is mandatory – failure to attend this will void your entry. This will be held at Holyhead Sailing Club
briefing for both events: 8.45am

START

9:15am

COURSE

A  ½ mile course will be clearly marked out in the harbour off Newry beach. Swimmers must swim around the outside  of each of the buoys on each circuit as detailed in the swim briefing . Every time a swimmer completes a lap, they must clearly give their swim number to the lap Recorders. The start, finish and position of the lap recorders will be outlined at the briefing.

LOCATION

Holyhead Sailing Club/ Newry Beach, Holyhead

SAFETY COVER

The 2 BLDSA fast rescue boats will be in attendance at the event and will be supported by support kayakers and other support vessels dispersed around the course. We will have designated first aid support available throughout the event.

PRESENTATIONS

The presentation will take place at Holyhead Sailing Club  after the vent is complete

Certificates will be presented to all competitors finishing individual races.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Championship will be held in Holyhead, on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey. The event will raise funds for Holyhead RNLI

ACCOMMODATION

Holyhead itself has a selection of B &B’s and hotels, including a Travelodge and there are also plenty of accommodation options within driving distance in the popular tourist locations of Treaddur Bay (10 min drive) & Rhosneigr (approx. 20 min drive)

There are also plenty of Campsites around Holyhead.

ORGANIZER

Liane Llewellyn Hickling

liane.llewellyn@btinternet.com

ULLSWATER Saturday August 15th 2020

 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 (5.25 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: Annie Stafford 

email: annegstafford@googlemail.com 

Tel: 01257268946

Mob:07768132622 

ENTRY CATEGORIES

Championship entry will require BLDSA membership and be non-wetsuit; veterans/ seniors £70 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 £115 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.

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.

Registration

PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY

Entries closed.

ULLSWATER Saturday August 14th 2021

DERWENTWATER Sunday August 15th 2021

EVENT 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 (5.25 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 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.

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. 

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 swim wear 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.

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.

DERWENTWATER, Sunday August 16th 2020

EVENT OVERVIEW:

Derwent water 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 5.25 miles.

The start for the 5.25 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.

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.

5.25 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.

5.25 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.

Annie Stafford

Swim Secretary

EVENT ENTRY

PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY

Entries closed.

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.

DERWENTWATER, Sunday August 15th 2021

EVENT OVERVIEW:

Derwent water 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 5.25 miles.

The start for the 5.25 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 Derwent water 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.

5.25 mile triangular swim seniors and veterans £50, or £35 if you also swim Ullswater the day before. Juniors £10.

2 mile swim senior and veterans £35. 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 5.25 mile seniors and veterans £85 juniors £20.

For non-members 2 mile seniors and veterans £70, 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.

5.25 mile swim starts at 9.30am.

2 mile swim starts 10.30am at Kettlewell Beach National Trust car park.

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 closed.

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.

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

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

Saturday 4th Sept 2021, 9:00am

BLDSA Windermere 10.5 miles Seniors & Juniors – all strokes, none 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 the lake 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 lake. For the 1^st time for 2020, 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 – £120

Windermere Non-wetsuit BLDSA providing crew – £220

Windermere Wetsuit providing own crew – £120

Windermere Wetsuit BLDSA providing crew – £220

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 +£50.00

Rowing boats are available from Ambleside but these must be organised by the swimmer, who must also provide their own crew. Unfortunately the BLDSA can no longer facilitate rowing boats due to the insurance implications imposed by the hire company. Please be aware the hire company will make a charge for delivery of the rowing boat to Fell Foot and again you may have to arrange your own insurance.

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

Swim Secretary: Chris Malpass

Contact us 

Registration

Entries closed. Please use the form below to be added to our waiting list.

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.

There are no conventional trophies for this event, except a shield awarded to the oldest person to complete the two way event. However the event is very much one to celebrate personal success and every successful swimmer is rewarded for their efforts.

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 closed.