CAPE SWIMS

ABOUT

LDS in South Africa | Cape Long Distance Swimming Association

THE CAPE LONG DISTANCE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION

The Cape Long Distance Swimming Association is the only official body to officiate over solo swims in Cape waters, and elsewhere in the country on request.

HISTORY OF CAPE LONG DISTANCE ASSOCIATION

The Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA) was formed in 1969 largely as a result of interest generated in long distance swimming by the Robben Island to Woodstock race which was held in March of that year. A small group of swimmers and officials decided it was necessary to form a body to officiate and record all long distance swims in the Cape. The constitution laid down the basic rules of the sport which conform with today's international FINA rules. Founder members were Dennis Pearson, Coenie van Eyssen, Frank Nielsen, John Pagden and Peter Bales, with surfing doyen John Whitmore as President.

During the 1970's two races were organised from Fish Hoek to Muizenberg but apart from this, the Association's sole function remained officiating swims. In the 1980's a group of swimmers from the Atlantic seaboard joined the committee and numerous open water events were organised, many continuing on an annual basis until the present. People such as Tony Scalabrino, Eddie and Anthony Cassar, Barry Cutler and Chris Barnard kept the Association growing and six years ago a national body was formed in order to select and take swimmers to the World Championships.