The British Long Distance Swimming Association

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

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.

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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

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.

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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.”

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

The boats will be available for preparation from 3pm onwards at Fell Foot Park near the café area.

Car Parking  – at Fell Foot Park

Swimmers & Crew further information

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

The finish is to cross the line in line with Jetty at Fell Foot Park, marked by a buoy in the water.

The turn is at Waterhead 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 Fell Foot Park.

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.

Presentation location to be changed to the café at Fell Foot Park, to be between 12/1pm (to be advised)

Contact Swim Secretary: Pro Temp, Vince Classen, BLDSA Hon. Gen. Sec.

Tel: 07780 996441
email: secretary@bldsa.org.uk

Entries open 1st Novemeber 2021

ULLSWATER Saturday August 13th 2022

DERWENTWATER Sunday August 14th 2022

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

5.00 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.

Annie Stafford

Swim Secretary

EVENT ENTRY

PLEASE TAKE NOTE ON-LINE ENTRIES ONLY

Entries Open 1st November 2022

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.

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

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

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 Open 1st November 2021