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

Senior/Veteran Registration Junior Registration

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 Bala 3Km Junior Bala 3mile Junior 

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.

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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)