Overview

The first BLDSA swim of the year and a great start to the season. You can choose from 1km, 3km or 5km – or even really kick the season off with a bang and double up and do the 1km swim and one of the longer distances too.

Use the links below to enter this event.

Register

Entries Closed.

3 km 5 km

Entries for the 1 km are on the day.

The Event

The course is a 1km loop of Colwick lake in Nottinghamshire, marked by positioned buoys.

The 1km swim will start first and we welcome as many newcomers to open water swimming as possible. The 1km swim is open to both wetsuit swimmers and non-BLDSA members – you can also sign up on the day.

The 3km and 5km swims will start together (so you CANNOT enter both) and will both do multiple loops of the lake. Both events are open to wetsuit swimmers – but you will not swim as part of the championship event.

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 Hon. Child & Vulnerable Adult 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.

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For more information please contact:

Patrick Smith – email patrick.smith@joshuapr.com

The 17th WYKEHAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

Swimmers will be escorted around a marked course by their individual kayakers with buoys lit for navigation.

The 2018 NIGHT events include the following:

5 km – Senior only – Traditional Costume/trunks

5 km (night swim)

PLEASE NOTE: DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED

For more information contact:

Ms Erin Hope

e-mail: erinx1xhope@outlook.com

Swim prerequisites

Swimmers are required to wear 2 LED adventure lights attached to them for this night swim. These can be purchased from the BLDSA shop for £9 each. All swimmers need to be accompanied by experienced kayaker. The swim organizer will endeavor to provide kayak support for you where needed and for this reason the swimmers may start at a different times depending on numbers. Swim places depend on available kayak support, which will be allocated on first come first serve basis. To ensure a place please try to provide your own competent kayaker.

The 18th WYKEHAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wykeham Lake is on the A170 Scarborough to Pickering Road. It is on the left if coming from Scarborough, just after West Ayton and on the right if coming from Pickering. The Lake is sign posted Wykeham Lake / Charm Park and is opposite Hutton Buscel.

The 2018 events include the following:

2 mile (3.2km) – Junior & Senior – Traditional Costume/trunks

5 km – Senior only – Traditional Costume/trunks

1 km – Open, Seniors & Juniors  – Traditional Costume/trunks and Wetsuits

Register here;

5 km  5 km (night swim)  2 miles   1 km  

PLEASE NOTE: DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED

For more information contact:

Ms Erin Hope

e-mail: erinx1xhope@outlook.com

Events (run under BLDSA rules) – The Championships will consist of 6 distinct events

1. Senior 3 Mile Championship
2. Senior 3 Mile Wetsuits
3. Senior 2 Mile Masters (age 60+ on the day)
4. Junior 2 mile Championship (age 12-15 on the day)
5. Senior 1 mile Championship
6. Senior 1 mile Wetsuits

Registration, Briefing and Start

Registration upon arrival at 7.45am, 

Briefing at 8:45am in or in-front of the Budworth Sailing Club House, 

start 9:30am.

Directions to Budworth Sailing Club

Take the A49 south from Warrington. At the roundabout over junction 10 of the M56 take the A559 to Northwich, pass the turning for Great Budworth and continue down the hill. After approximately 200m on the right is a concealed entrance to the Sailing Club. CW9 6HA

Swim Secretary

Larry & Michaela Richard

Budworth@warrington-dolphins.co.uk

https://www.entrycentral.com/Budworth-Swim2018

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.

Use the link below to enter this event.

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

Sorry 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, see below for link.

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.

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 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 Protection Policies. Copies of which may be obtained from the BLDSA Hon. Child Protection 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

The Ivan Percival is a race that’s been run in Liverpool since 1991. 

Ivan Percival was one of the people who enveloped the spirit of open water swimming in Liverpool, and this race has been held in his memory ever since.

The race at the Salthouse Dock in Liverpool will consist of a 1 mile, a 2 mile, and a 4 mile race, and is open to wetsuits and non-wetsuits. All abilities and ages are welcome, and all profits received will be donated to local charities.

The cost will be £20 per person.

Registration is at 07:45 on the pontoon, with the safety briefing starting at 08:30. The swim will commence between 08:45 and 09:00.

For more details on how to book a place, please contact us via Facebook Messenger.

Run under BLDSA rules

The new BLDSA Champion of Champions (North) will be held on the 23rd June 2018.  The event is a week after the world famous & gruelling BLDSA Champion of Champions (South). 

The Champion of Championship North will be the 4th BLDSA Championship of the season following swims at Colwick Park in Nottingham, Wykeham Lakes in Yorkshire and the Champion of Champions (South) (check those out!)

Seniors & Juniors Events comprise 5 mile race +3 mile race +1 mile race = 9 miles in total.                     Competitors can swim in any of the 3 events 

TRADITIONAL COSTUMES/TRUNKS ONLY TO BE WORN

Contact: Amanda Bell
e mail: a_l_bell@hotmail.com

Tel: 07590 685913

Register here

Register

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.

Swim Secretary: André Roberts – torbayswim@bldsa.org.uk

This event is NON-WETSUIT only.

Register

Join the waiting list

Register(Waiting List)

Payment link for those already on the waiting list

Register(Waiting list only) 

*Swimmers must be members of the BLDSA before entering and must be experienced swimmers (Torbay – Ideal experience for swimmers).

Kayak Support

Swimmers must have a kayak with 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 indepth 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!

Notes:

Weather notes

Guide to the Torbay swim

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;

Contact:
Philip Yorke

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

e-mail: balaswim@bldsa.org.uk

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

3 km 1 km 6 miles

Contact:
Philip Yorke

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

e-mail: balaswim@bldsa.org.uk

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

3 miles

Overview

A beautiful swim in a beautiful lake. The Vets swim starts at Brown Howe car park and you swim down to finish on the beach just before the Bluebird café. With the presentation taking 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) the following day.

Register

3.25 miles*

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

The event

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

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

This swim is for BLDSA members only (Vets – 45+ on the day of the swim) and is for skins swimmers only.

Timings

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

Patrick Smith – email patrick.smith@joshuapr.com

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

5.25 miles

The event

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

Transport will be provided for all swimmers to the start, we ask that kayakers and supporters make their own way there. However, 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 for BLDSA members only, but open to Juniors, Seniors and Vets, and is for skins swimmers only.

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:

Patrick Smith – email patrick.smith@joshuapr.com

The 1km and 2km events will both take place again. Junior swimmers between 12-15 years can enter the 1km event.

For those who don’t know the Dee Mile is unique and very historic to Chester and to open water swimming. The event has gone from strength to strength and attracts a large field.

If there are any other details that you require please let me know..
ciaramurph@yahoo.com

Phone contact: 07786 237667

From the Chester Triathlon Club website:

This is a classical race of the modern era, with a history which is very nearly continuous, going back to the first time it was held 1922. The race has several idiosyncrasies. It starts at the Red House pub and the distance is actually a mile and a quarter. You swim downstream around the Crook of the Dee to finish at the suspension bridge. Being all downstream, the course times vary considerably depending on the seasonal flow with the winning men’s time varying from 19 minutes 48 seconds to 33 minutes 25 seconds.

Water temperatures are typically 14 to 16 deg.C. The swim is with the current. In 2010, the temperature was 20 deg.C.

The race retains its ancient “Dee Mile Champion” title for the fastest swimmer, who must also live within five miles of “The Cross” in the centre of Chester and swim without a wetsuit.

https://www.chestertri.org.uk/our-races/dee-mile/

https://chestertri.niftyentries.com/deemile

A 7 mile swim in a stunning location under the shadow of Hellvellyn, make it a weekend away in the beautiful lake district camping or in the comfort of a friendly B&B. After the swim enjoy some lovely food and banter at the presentation in a local pub in Pooley Bridge.

Own boat and crew to be provided.

Swim Secretary: Francis Zielinski – ullswaterswim@bldsa.org.uk

Registration

PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY

Register

A 5.25 mile triangular swim around Derwentwater. No wet suits. Starts from Keswick Launch Piers, Keswick Lake District. 2 mile swim starts at Kettlewell Beach NT Car Park .wet suits allowed but you will not enter the Championship. All swimmers need individual Kayak support. Inflatable Kayaks not allowed.

This swim is the day after Ullswater BLDSA swim and some swimmers like to do both swims. Alternatively some swimmers pair up and swim one of the swims and paddle for the other one. An additional certificate will be given for both of these double weekend events.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY

5.25 miles 2 miles

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. There will be a relay of past swimmers to commemorate this Diamond Jubilee in 2019, so anyone who has swum it in the past 60 years who would like to be involved, even if age now prevents long swims, please get in touch, as we would love to include you.

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

Entries open 2nd January 2018.

21.6 miles 1 km

PDF Form

Return filled in entry form with fee (if cheque or stating done via BACS) to the swim secretary (address shown above).

Entry Form

Preliminary Information

Read before entering.

Preliminary information

Entries close 28th July 2018.

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

The legacy of Loch Lomond

Adrian Rotchell in 2016

Overview

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. Why not join us after the swim for a meal and presentation with your fellow swimmers.

05

03

04

02

07

06

01

Rowing boats provided but swimmer must provide own crew. Pre-requisites include an open water 5.5 mile swim in 3.5 hours and NO Wetsuits.

Swim Secretary: Chris Malpass

Contact us 

*Event full, but more places may be allocated. Join the waiting list, so you get a heads up when they go live.

Registration

Register*

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

Registration

Online

1 km 3.25 miles 6.5 miles

PDF entry form

Entry Form

Info PDF, please read before entering

Info

This is the last event on our annual calendar and a fantastic opportunity to share tales of the summer, celebrate achievements, sound out ideas for the year ahead or indeed prepare for late-season challenges. The swim takes place close to the town of Kings Lynn in North Norfolk and uses the Great Ouse Sailing Club as a base which is accessible from both London and the North with good road and rail links. Both Junior and Senior/Veteran categories have freestyle and breaststroke categories. Seniors/Veterans swim 4.5k (three laps) around fixed buoys and Juniors 1.5k (one lap). For the first time, the 2018 Championships will allow capable Juniors to participate in the longer 4.5k event. The event also includes a ‘sign on the day’ Novice event of 1.5k which is open to non-members. This offers a great opportunity to try out a BLDSA swim and to come and meet volunteers and members ahead of a decision to sign up for next season. The course is fully supported by our safety team and kayak volunteers. There is no need to provide your own paddler, however the Swim Sec would be pleased to hear from anybody willing to assist on the water on the day. Hot drinks are available afterwards in the Club House which also has toilet, shower and changing facilities and provides shelter in case of inclement weather. Camping is available free of charge at the venue, though please advise in advance if you wish to stay over. Come and join us for this exciting swim which often runs wild as contenders for the Grand Prix fight it out for those final points and placings in the tables!

Swim Secretary – Jane Bell (lynnregisswim@bldsa.org.uk)

(Map Ref: 21)

Register

Online entries only.

4.5 km(Senior & Veteran) 1.5 km (Junior)1 km(Novice)