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Open Water

There has always been a passionate hardcore scene of Open Water swimmers in the UK taking to our lakes, rivers and seas all year round, however with the ever increasing popularity of triathlon and the inclusion of open water swimming in the Olympic Games it is now becoming much more main stream.  The benefit of this is more organised venues and many more events.

 

British Long Distance Swimming Association (BLDSA)

For many years the BLDSA have been organising and supporting long distance and open water swimming events around the UK.  An event calendar is available via their website of their championship events, affiliated club events as well as a select number of swims further a field.  Here are a selection within easy reach of Manchester:

  • 23rd May 2009 - City of Liverpool ASC - City of Liverpool ASC Swims (Albert Dock Liverpool) 1mile start 9am. 2 & 4 miles start 9.30am Novice/Junior/Senior.
  • 30th May 2009 - Warrington Dolphins LDSC - Budworth Mere (Nr. Northwich, Cheshire) 1, 2 & 3 miles. Novice/Veterans/Senior/Junior. Freestyle/Breaststroke
  • 11th July 2009 - BLDSA Bala (North Wales) - 1km Novice event starting at 1000hrs and 6 miles Senior starting at 1300hrs. Plus new 3km circuit event. Freestyle/Breaststroke
  • 12th July 2009 - BLDSA Bala (North Wales) 3 miles Junior/Senior. Freestyle/Breaststroke. Start : 1200hrs
  • 18th July 2009 - BLDSA Coniston Relay - starting at TBC

  • 19th July 2009 - BLDSA Coniston 5.25 miles Senior. Freestyle/Breaststroke. Start: 1200hrs

For more events and further details visit their website: www.bldsa.org.uk.

 

Amateur Swimming Association

Information to follow.

 

Great Swim

In 2008 Nova International promoted the first mass participation swim in the country that took place in Lake Windmere.  Due to it's success they have 4 events on their calendar for 2009:

  • Great London Swim - 15th August 09
  • Great Scottish Swim - 29th August 09
  • Great North Swim - 12/13 September 09
  • Great East Swim - 26th September 09

For more information visit: www.greatswim.org

 

Uberfit Events

Uberfit Events organise a number of none competitive long distance swim for those looking to take on an Open Water adventure:

  • Friday 19th June - Coniston Water – 5.5 miles.  Expect to be swimming for 3 hours plus as we start in daylight and finish in the dark guided by the twinkling lights on your escort boats
  • Saturday 11th July – Windermere – 10.5 miles. The crown jewel of Lake District swims. A historic swim in relatively warm water that will take, on average, 5 hours plus. A beautiful, tough swim.
  • Saturday 25th July - Ulswater – 7.25 / 14.5 miles. Expect a swim of 3 hours plus in truly picturesque surroundings waved on by bemused ferry passengers.

All swimmers are supported by escort boats under the supervision of an experienced open water swim coach. Wetsuits are recommended for newbies! For more information: