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??
an english channel swim question - why start a new thread
can an english channel swim be planned for france to england?
I'm under the impression the equivalent of the french coast guard does not care to see this route scheduled.
Chaos is exactly right, far more swims are done each year under theCS&PF banner. Both are good organization, both offer experience and certified pilots. I would be comfortable either way.
It's true that the France-England route is not allowed by the French. Not sure that it is the French Coast Guard equivalent or immigration that is the issue. I've heard it said that this s an easier crossing due to the way the tides work, but who knows?
-LBJ
I find it a much greater incentive to swim to England... could this be why it is easier? :)
Since I posted a link to this thread on the Channel Swimmers Discussion Group, many people have sent me e-mails... mostly with information I already knew. I added Nick Adams' response above because I think it pretty well states the attitudes of those involved in the CS&PF (and most likely those of the CSA as well, although to date, there have been no responses from them).
For those of you not familiar with Nick's accomplishments; he has completed between 8 and 10 EC crossings and is the youngest person to have ever completed a double crossing. He has been a good friend and a great source of information for me since I met him in San Francisco during a Golden Gate swim a little while back. You are very likely to bump into him training in Dover Harbor on the weekends, or at more tropical locations during the winter months.
Thank you all for the informative posts! The free exchange of ideas is nothing but a positive when I look at the task (or privilege) of attempting to swim the English Channel.
J
an english channel swim question - why start a new thread
can an english channel swim be planned for france to england?
I'm under the impression the equivalent of the french coast guard does not care to see this route scheduled.
It's true that the France-England route is not allowed by the French. Not sure that it is the French Coast Guard equivalent or immigration that is the issue. I've heard it said that this s an easier crossing due to the way the tides work, but who knows?
-LBJ
