Sognefjord Challenge 2011

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What: 3,7 km fjord crossing of the Sognefjord for swimmers and kayakers

Where: Borlaug in the municpality of Vik to Nokkaneset in the municipality of Leikanger

When: August 2011, to be confirmed.

Who: Competent swimmers and kayakers over the age of 16 years. 16-18 year olds must have parental or guardian consent to participate.

For safety reasons, the race is limited to 30 swimmers. Each swimmer must ensure that they are accompanied by a skilled kayaker who will navigate the fjord on their behalf throughout the crossing. By skilled kayaker, we mean that each kayaker must be able to perform self-rescue skills should they capsize during the crossing. Each kayak must be equipped with safety equipment, inflatable oar bag, extra life jacket and water pump. The kayaker is also responsible for alerting the safety escort boats should the swimmer get into difficulty.

Each swimmer must qualify for the race by completing a 2 km open water swim.

Qualifying swims will be arranged prior to the event. Competitors unable to attend the qualifying swims must provide signed documentation by a recognised authority (eg. local swimming club) that they have previously completed a 2 km swim without difficulty prior to the race.

All swimmers and kayakers must attend the safety briefing to be held prior to the crossing.

Both geographical and time limits are set for the swim. Swimmers who exceed the set these limits will be pulled out of the race. The geographical limits (see map) will be explained at the obligatory safety briefing. The time limit is set to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

It is forbidden to smear the body with substances such as Tiger Balsam as this can lead to excess heat loss. Swimmers must wear a swimming cap.

It is permitted to wear a wetsuit during the swim within the wetsuit swim category.

NB: The organisers of Sognefjord Challenge reserve the right to make changes to event programme. The organisers also reserve the right to cancel the event, if weather conditions do not permit a safe crossing.

Further information about registration and fees will be published in early 2011.