"The North Channel association’s ratified swims are eligible to be counted for the Oceans Seven."
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Meet the Team:
Antonio ArguellesInaugural Honorary Chairperson, Oceans Seven 2017
Quinton NelsonBoat Captain, Skipper, North Channel Pilot, Boat Owner
www.nelsonsboats.co.uk |
Mark HamiltonWOWSA Advisory Board Member, North Channel Pilot, Leading Observer, Trainer, Senior Adminstrator.
Maggie GibsonNorth Channel Swimmer, English Channel Swimmer,
Swimming Coach and Advisor. |
NCSA also provide Observers to:
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Brian Meharg |
Pádraig Mallon |
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Boat Captain, Skipper, North Channel Pilot, Boat Owner
www.bangorboat.com |
Any prospective swimmer should contact their chosen
Boat Captain / Pilot in the first instance.
Boat Captain / Pilot in the first instance.
You are in trusted and experienced hands...
The North Channel Swimming Association provides services from extremely qualified and experienced personnel. We are based in Donaghadee on the North County Down coast of Northern Ireland and are on these waters most days of the year, weather permitting. As a result, we have been involved in swimming in the North Channel for over 40 years and have a lifetime of experience in these waters.
In addition, the North Channel Swimming Association recognises skippers who own their own vessels. The pilots and vessels should be available for the competitors’ swims on the best day of their allocated tidal window, which can only be finally decided on the day of the swim. All the vessels have sheltered areas out of the wind and weather as well as heated cabins with private areas for swimmers to prepare, change, and recover.
The North Channel is recognised as one of the hardest swims in the Oceans Seven challenge. The task of completing this swim should never be taken lightly. The waters can be very unforgiving. Challenges range from water temperature (12-15 degrees centigrade during summer), numerous jelly fish, strong tides which vary with state of tide, rough rocky shorelines, quickly changing weather conditions, and a limited time frame to complete the swim. The tides in and around Portpatrick in Scotland can be strong and have a large swell, pushing the swimmer away from the shore.
Thus, at the North Channel Swimming Association we are ideally placed to help and advise swimmers prior to their swim, but also during the swim itself. All our personnel and affiliated members have years of experience and are capable of providing valued guidance to help the swimmer complete this momentous task.
In summary, we are in an excellent position to offer a complete service to the swimmer, from initial contact to successful completion. We advise that any swimmer contacts the Captain and/or Pilot in the first instance to ensure there is availability.
Please note that the NCSA has no financial interest with the Captains, vessels or with regard to the business operated by them, however as would be expected, the NCSA has a strong working relationship with the vessel owners, Captains and Pilots and will take guidance and leadership from them as required. We also have a strict set of guidelines which will be upheld at all times with regard to the actual swim and the vessels to which we supply observers. With this in mind we will have the capacity to carry out random checks on swims to ensure compliance.
The North Channel Swimming Association provides services from extremely qualified and experienced personnel. We are based in Donaghadee on the North County Down coast of Northern Ireland and are on these waters most days of the year, weather permitting. As a result, we have been involved in swimming in the North Channel for over 40 years and have a lifetime of experience in these waters.
In addition, the North Channel Swimming Association recognises skippers who own their own vessels. The pilots and vessels should be available for the competitors’ swims on the best day of their allocated tidal window, which can only be finally decided on the day of the swim. All the vessels have sheltered areas out of the wind and weather as well as heated cabins with private areas for swimmers to prepare, change, and recover.
The North Channel is recognised as one of the hardest swims in the Oceans Seven challenge. The task of completing this swim should never be taken lightly. The waters can be very unforgiving. Challenges range from water temperature (12-15 degrees centigrade during summer), numerous jelly fish, strong tides which vary with state of tide, rough rocky shorelines, quickly changing weather conditions, and a limited time frame to complete the swim. The tides in and around Portpatrick in Scotland can be strong and have a large swell, pushing the swimmer away from the shore.
Thus, at the North Channel Swimming Association we are ideally placed to help and advise swimmers prior to their swim, but also during the swim itself. All our personnel and affiliated members have years of experience and are capable of providing valued guidance to help the swimmer complete this momentous task.
In summary, we are in an excellent position to offer a complete service to the swimmer, from initial contact to successful completion. We advise that any swimmer contacts the Captain and/or Pilot in the first instance to ensure there is availability.
Please note that the NCSA has no financial interest with the Captains, vessels or with regard to the business operated by them, however as would be expected, the NCSA has a strong working relationship with the vessel owners, Captains and Pilots and will take guidance and leadership from them as required. We also have a strict set of guidelines which will be upheld at all times with regard to the actual swim and the vessels to which we supply observers. With this in mind we will have the capacity to carry out random checks on swims to ensure compliance.
North Channel Success (e & o.e.)
Listed below are the names of people who have completed the North Channel Swim.
We recognise all swimmers regardless of ratifying Association, Captain or Pilot.
We recognise all swimmers regardless of ratifying Association, Captain or Pilot.
Quotations from previous Swimmers and adjudicators:
I am honoured to be associated with the North Channel Swimming Association and to be asked to be the Inaugural Chairperson. I look forward to working with Quinton Mark and Maggie in helping swimmers achieve their goals. Antonio Argüelles , Mexico. Ocean's Seven 2017
I once rowed a rowing boat from Australia to Africa, rowing 12 hours a day for 57 days, day and night. I tell people to this day that swimming the North Channel was much harder than this, it remains the most challenging thing I've ever done. I feel honoured to be a part of the North Channel Swimming Association as a swim adjudicator and look forward to giving back to one of the hardest challenges on the planet. Cameron Bellamy, South Africa. North Channel 2016
I am very happy to act as an adjudicator and feel very honoured to be asked. Just keep swimming! Sal Minty-Gravett MBE, Jersey.
www.swimwithsal.com
My North Channel swim was one of the most challenging swims of my marathon swim career. I owe my success to my boat pilot Quinton Nelson and his
team. His vast experience and knowledge of this unforgiving channel is extraordinary.
Pat Gallant-Charette, USA. North Channel Record for Oldest Woman at the age 65 years and 204 days
I wholeheartedly support this development and have no doubt that it will benefit all concerned in this wonderful sport of ours.
Adrian Sarchet, Guernsey. North Channel 2015
I know how much you care about the swimmer and how much care you put into every swim.
Graeme Lowe, Jersey. North Channel 2015
The North Channel is one of the hardest things that you can do on this planet. You hope for wind under 15 knots, a current that isn't too strong, and water that is 54F (12C). You don't always get it that good, and did I mention jellies tentacles that are 3-4m long? If you want a challenge, this is it.
Steve Walker, USA. North Channel 2016
Quinton did an excellent job guiding me from Ireland to Scotland. He was there for all my questions during my training and before the actual swim. He has tons of experiences and made sure people knew what they were signing up for. Before my swim I was encouraged to get in touch with previous successful swimmers to get as much information as possible, and now I am very happy to share my experiences. This is definitely one of the hardest swims and you want to be in good hands and prepare the best you can.
Abhejali Bernardová, Czech Republic. North Channel 2017, Oceans Seven
Common Q & A
Ques: What is the average time to complete the North Channel Swim?
Ans: There is no average time. From completed swims, the time ranges from 9.35 to over 18 hours.
Ques: What is the average water Temperature?
Ans: The average temperature ranges between 12* C and just over 15* C and can vary across the swim.
Ques: What do I do if I get stung?
Ans: Unfortunately jelly fish are common in the North Channel. Stings do happen on a regular basis.
Ques: Can I take pain relief?
Ans: Yes. Any medication, prescribed or not, must to be recorded by your observer.
Ques: What if I have to cancel my swim?
Ans: This will be an arrangement between the swimmer and the Captain / Pilot. An observer would not normally be arranged in advance.
Ques: Do I have to have swam the English Channel to apply?
Ans: No. There is a minimum requirement of a 6 hour swim in water temps between 12 and 15 degrees Centigrade which should be signed and witnessed.
Ques: How far in advance do I need to book a swim slot?
Ans: The NCSA isn't involved in booking Captains or Pilots. You should agree dates with your chosen Pilot.
Ques: Is there a minimum age to make an attempt?
Ans: Yes. The minimum age for a relay attempt is 16 and 18 for a solo attempt.
Useful Links:
WOWSA: www.worldopenwaterswimmingassociation.com
Oceans Seven info: db.marathonswimmers.org/oceans-seven/
Lone Swimmer : loneswimmer.com
Nelsons Boats: www.nelsonsboats.co.uk
Bangor Boat: bangorboat.com
Swim with Sal: swimwithsal.com
Infinity Channel Swimming: www.infinitychannelswimming.com
E.&O.E.