I'm new to distance open water swimming and have been trying to figure out what the deal is between the Channel Swimming Association and the Channel Swimmer & Pilot Federation. What gives??
The Channel Swimming Association is the long time Channel Swimming Authority(starting in the 1800's). Nears as I can tell, (as told to me by a member of the CSA) the CS&PF was started with a rift occurred between board members of the CSA and one or two left to start the CS&PF. They both perform basically the same function, and the primary difference between them (when I last checked two years ago) was that the CS&PF fee was less. They both have a list of approved boaters, both send observers. The CSA is very strict on apparel, assistance ect. The CS&PF did loose a swimmer who eventually drowned a few years ago, and I believe they allow wetsuits, kayaks, and they have the crossing record set by one of their swimmers with a course that to see it is not to believe it, which some would say puts a ? mark by their results. When my daughter swam the Channel in 2008, we chose the CSA, even with the higher fee, we felt the first, oldest, most respected organization was the way to go for us. I could see how someone would go CS&PF, and I would not look down on their accomplishment any way shape or form based on which organization they swam for.
The Channel Swimming Association is the long time Channel Swimming Authority(starting in the 1800's). Nears as I can tell, (as told to me by a member of the CSA) the CS&PF was started with a rift occurred between board members of the CSA and one or two left to start the CS&PF. They both perform basically the same function, and the primary difference between them (when I last checked two years ago) was that the CS&PF fee was less. They both have a list of approved boaters, both send observers. The CSA is very strict on apparel, assistance ect. The CS&PF did loose a swimmer who eventually drowned a few years ago, and I believe they allow wetsuits, kayaks, and they have the crossing record set by one of their swimmers with a course that to see it is not to believe it, which some would say puts a ? mark by their results. When my daughter swam the Channel in 2008, we chose the CSA, even with the higher fee, we felt the first, oldest, most respected organization was the way to go for us. I could see how someone would go CS&PF, and I would not look down on their accomplishment any way shape or form based on which organization they swam for.
