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??
This from Nick Adams:
Good Morning All,
I rarely post on the Channel group, but feel I ought to now before people with far stronger opinions and less diplomacy wake up, read the emails, and write something that will prolong and enflame this discussion.
I am not new to Channel Swimming, this being my 19th season. I did my first few swims under the CSA banner with the wonderful Ray and Audrey Scott running the show. I have been around through a few changes of leadership and witnessed the creation of the CS&PF. I have done plenty of swims with the CS&PF. Earlier this year I was elected as President of the CS&PF, and I am very proud to be involved with the CS&PF and to serve the organisation and sport in anyway that I can. I have got a lot out of the sport, and want to give back whenever I can.
I am writing this email as both a swimmer and the CS&PF President.
This whole debate should not waste any more of our time, we should be focussed on our swims and helping each other.
* There have been deaths during swims with both organisations. This is a horrible area to try and score points between organisations.
* Both organisations will keep you safe during your Channel swim.
* The kit allowed, and rules to be followed, are almost identical with both organisations.
* The fee structures are different, it's your call which one to go with.
* The CS&PF recognise CSA and CS&PF swims. The CSA just recognise their own. Rest assured, nobody will try to claim you didn't swim the Channel if you successfully crossed with the CS&PF; that's scaremongering.
* Currently, around 75% of swims each year are done under the CS&PF banner.
* This sport is full of good people, but the odd bad apple can get into any cart.
* The majority of those that help you on the beach in Dover are part of the CS&PF, but the Dover training is not connected in anyway with either the CSA or CS&PF.
* I will help ANY swimmer that gets in touch with me. I don't charge for advice or meeting up, and that is the same with many of my closest friends in the CS&PF. I don't know many of the 'inner-circle" (for want of a better phrase) of the CSA, but suspect they too are quick to help and dispense free advice and expertise.
As Nemo says: "Just keep swimming.." There are two organisations; pick one and just get on with it!
It is not fair for me to put my views onto the group without giving a CSA representative the right to reply, so I have cc'd Julie Bradshaw and I will post any reply she sends me.
Big love to all,
Nick
This from Nick Adams:
Good Morning All,
I rarely post on the Channel group, but feel I ought to now before people with far stronger opinions and less diplomacy wake up, read the emails, and write something that will prolong and enflame this discussion.
I am not new to Channel Swimming, this being my 19th season. I did my first few swims under the CSA banner with the wonderful Ray and Audrey Scott running the show. I have been around through a few changes of leadership and witnessed the creation of the CS&PF. I have done plenty of swims with the CS&PF. Earlier this year I was elected as President of the CS&PF, and I am very proud to be involved with the CS&PF and to serve the organisation and sport in anyway that I can. I have got a lot out of the sport, and want to give back whenever I can.
I am writing this email as both a swimmer and the CS&PF President.
This whole debate should not waste any more of our time, we should be focussed on our swims and helping each other.
* There have been deaths during swims with both organisations. This is a horrible area to try and score points between organisations.
* Both organisations will keep you safe during your Channel swim.
* The kit allowed, and rules to be followed, are almost identical with both organisations.
* The fee structures are different, it's your call which one to go with.
* The CS&PF recognise CSA and CS&PF swims. The CSA just recognise their own. Rest assured, nobody will try to claim you didn't swim the Channel if you successfully crossed with the CS&PF; that's scaremongering.
* Currently, around 75% of swims each year are done under the CS&PF banner.
* This sport is full of good people, but the odd bad apple can get into any cart.
* The majority of those that help you on the beach in Dover are part of the CS&PF, but the Dover training is not connected in anyway with either the CSA or CS&PF.
* I will help ANY swimmer that gets in touch with me. I don't charge for advice or meeting up, and that is the same with many of my closest friends in the CS&PF. I don't know many of the 'inner-circle" (for want of a better phrase) of the CSA, but suspect they too are quick to help and dispense free advice and expertise.
As Nemo says: "Just keep swimming.." There are two organisations; pick one and just get on with it!
It is not fair for me to put my views onto the group without giving a CSA representative the right to reply, so I have cc'd Julie Bradshaw and I will post any reply she sends me.
Big love to all,
Nick
