Open Water Swimming

The monumental achievements of Britain’s marathon swimmers may have drawn attention to the sport of open water swimming with three medals at the Beijing Olympics but the most of challenging sports actually began life before the first modern Olympics was ever held. 

History:
Captain Webb, Lord Byron and others started it. Captain Webb swam the English Channel in 1875, considered today as one of the three toughest swims in the world.

Open water swimming was officially recognised by FINA, the world governing body of swimming in 1986, but you can go back to the 1896 Olympic Games and before to realise that Open Water swimming was the forerunner of the indoor competitive swimming that we know today.

Definition:
Open Water swimming can take place in many outdoor venues. Lakes, rivers, canals, dams, reservoirs, the sea, docks and rowing basins are all used.

FINA define Marathon swimming as being 10KM in length, however, there are many different lengths swum in open water.

In International competition the 5, 10 and 25KM event are currently swum. In 2008 a 5KM time trial event and a three-swimmer team event were trialled for the first time.

Getting involved:
If you can swim then you can do Open Water swimming.

In 2008 Great Britain had three Olympic Medallists in Open Water and all three also competed in the pool in Beijing.

A number of established “pool” swimmers are now trying open water. If you would like to get involved there are a number of events in Great Britain for all ages and levels, details below.

Events:
Details of all events can be found by clicking the Calendar and competition button

Participation events
The Great Swims are a series of events being held in 2009. CLICK HERE for more details.
The British Long Distance Swimming Association also organise many events through out the year.

Regional events
Each Region holds their own open water championship. Details can be found on each Regional web site.

National events
Each home Country holds a National Championship, details can be found on each home Country web site.
The ASA National Open Water Championships are held every year and details are posted on this web site.

International events
Olympic Games    10KM
World Championships   5, 10 & 25KM
European Championships    5, 10 & 25KM
European Junior Championships  5, 10 & 25KM
LEN Cup     5 & 10KM
FINA Marathon Cup    10KM
FINA Grand Prix    Various

If you require more information please contact:

Mark Perry
Open Water Performance Manager
British Swimming
Medway Building
Loughborough University
Loughborough
LE11 3TU
Email: mark.perry@swimming.org