Swimming from Switzerland to France (Classic 12km)
So the LGSA (Lake Geneva Swimming Association (https://www.lakegenevaswimmingassociation.com/) have opened up the 'Classic 12km' swim route which offers swimmers the chance of swimming from Lausanne in Switzerland to Evian in France. Having completed the full length of the lake in ca. 33 hours last July I really fancied the idea of coming back with the family without the pressure of a 43 miler during a 10 day vacation.
This really should be on everyone's bucket list and is suitable for seasoned veteran or newbie. I really couldn't envisage a more idyllic setting & event for someone attempting to increase mileage for the first time over 10km.
Stunning crystal clear blue 70f water, air temperatures in the high 80s and hardly a breath of wind. This has to be as close to open water swim heaven as one can get. Usually when I swim in warmish water in the UK I get bitten by duck fleas - NOT so here!
I really love the idea of a cross border swim (ensuring to take one's passport in the feed bag!) and the LGSA laid on the kayaker (I had 'Chris' from North Devon who was first class). I have seen the title 'border-buster' used in another swim in the US and this is applicable here.
What was the swim like? Got in and the water felt warm, pure and divine. There was almost no chop in the lake but the odd bit of swell. If you stopped to feed it was one of the quietest moments of your life surrounded by massive mountains. If you are trying to achieve zen in swimming then I think they've cracked it here as most of the ca. 5 hour swim was in that zone.
3 safety boats with lifeguards, every swimmer had their own kayaker (laid on for them!) and felt safe 100% of the time. Briefings for kayakers and crew were incredibly detailed. There was only one retirement on the day (a wetsuit swimmer who got cramp but after a short rest did get in to finish!)
Tim Davies and Charlie Masding from the LGSA have put on a great event here and I reckon it'll sell out quickly next year (I intend to reload btw!) so you can check it as a weekend away or dovetail it in nicely with a family holiday like we did. It's probably more like a 14km by the time you have finished (and by judging by many of the finishing times) but that's just to warn you to put in enough training. My advice is to look to the side at the stunning mountains & scenery as you'll be finished before you know it and the best views are from that lake.
This really should be on everyone's bucket list and is suitable for seasoned veteran or newbie. I really couldn't envisage a more idyllic setting & event for someone attempting to increase mileage for the first time over 10km.
Stunning crystal clear blue 70f water, air temperatures in the high 80s and hardly a breath of wind. This has to be as close to open water swim heaven as one can get. Usually when I swim in warmish water in the UK I get bitten by duck fleas - NOT so here!
I really love the idea of a cross border swim (ensuring to take one's passport in the feed bag!) and the LGSA laid on the kayaker (I had 'Chris' from North Devon who was first class). I have seen the title 'border-buster' used in another swim in the US and this is applicable here.
What was the swim like? Got in and the water felt warm, pure and divine. There was almost no chop in the lake but the odd bit of swell. If you stopped to feed it was one of the quietest moments of your life surrounded by massive mountains. If you are trying to achieve zen in swimming then I think they've cracked it here as most of the ca. 5 hour swim was in that zone.
3 safety boats with lifeguards, every swimmer had their own kayaker (laid on for them!) and felt safe 100% of the time. Briefings for kayakers and crew were incredibly detailed. There was only one retirement on the day (a wetsuit swimmer who got cramp but after a short rest did get in to finish!)
Tim Davies and Charlie Masding from the LGSA have put on a great event here and I reckon it'll sell out quickly next year (I intend to reload btw!) so you can check it as a weekend away or dovetail it in nicely with a family holiday like we did. It's probably more like a 14km by the time you have finished (and by judging by many of the finishing times) but that's just to warn you to put in enough training. My advice is to look to the side at the stunning mountains & scenery as you'll be finished before you know it and the best views are from that lake.