Membership to the CLDSA

The Cape Long Distance Swimming Association was established to record swimmer’s achievements and help swimmer’s achieve their goals. Because of this, they have created a legacy of incredible open water swimming achievements in the Western Cape. Swimming records, are maintained according to strict international protocols. Life long friendships, members sharing guidance, and hundreds of swimming hours together have built a community which rests firmly on the shoulders of great swimmers and the Association’s Lifetime members.

The Cape Long Distance Swimming Association was established in the 1960’s to keep records of the iconic Robben Island Crossing, but soon grew to encompass, many more interesting and scenic routes along our coast. Today the Association is the custodian of several routes up the West Coast, around Cape Point, in False Bay, and of course, the False Bay Crossing. While open water swimming has grown globally, Cape Town remains one of the world’s most iconic swimming destinations, and the CLDSA has over time created a font of expertise and resources to help both local and international swimmers.

To be a member of the CLDSA is both an honour and a privilege. It is an honour to be part of the world-renowned legacy of long distance swimming in the Cape, and privilege to be part of a community of swimmers of every ability who share a passion for ocean water swimming. The goal of the CLDSA, while record keeping, is also to develop an inclusive open-water swimming community. From complete beginners to extreme athletes, passion for swimming is the common factor and the driving force of the association. Life long friendships, members sharing guidance, and hundreds of swimming hours together have built a community which rests firmly on the shoulders of great swimmers and the Association’s Life-long members.

Each member that submits their swim for ratification will be recognised and celebrated for their achievements. The CLDSA is internationally recognised as a longstanding custodian of swimming records and as a renowned source of swimming expertise, helping novice swimmers to reach their swimming goals and experienced swimmers to share their knowledge. While membership is required to officially register a swim, there are many other advantages to membership, perhaps the most significant of which is becoming part of the tradition and legacy of the oldest and most established swimming community in Southern Africa.