The race that became known as the Long Swim, from Ladye Bay to the Pier, was a regular swimming race before “Open Water” became a category. It is now Clevedon’s addition to a long list of ASA and British Long Distance Swimming Association competitions.

CASC was represented by ten people in ten events in 2004. The year saw the biggest increase of young swimmers returning to sea swimming in the town for many years. In the last ten years alone, five Clevedon swimmers have been picked to represent Somerset in the British National Open Water Championships, and all on more than one occasion.

CASC’s Open Water Team Manager and Life Vice-President, Len Hurley, says that he is very pleased with the increase in sea swimmers recently and with the proposed refurbishment of the Marine Lake. Clevedon ASC’s 75-year-long history is deeply entwined with the Lake. It has brought much success and fame to the Club and town and is certainly an important reason for the Club’s continuing existence.

Clevedon’s most famous swimmer has to be Steve Price. Steve has crossed the English Channel, the Bristol Channel and is one of only eight people to have swum the Irish Sea. Steve is constantly looking for new challenges and has been rewarded by the Club with Honorary Life Membership.

14-year-old Gary Carpenter is following in Steve’s wake. In 2005, Gary will be part of the Western Counties Channel Relay Team, which will swim from England to France. Like many of the Middle Yeo’s activities, the Channel Team will also be raising money for a nominated Charity.

Neil Carpenter
Men’s Club Captain
2004 - 2005