Sognefjord Swim Festival 2006- Fjord swim in Balestrand

During 21 days in August 2004 Lewis Gordon Pugh swam the 204 km long Sognefjord in 74 hours and 47 minutes.

The very first Sognefjord Swim Festival was arranged in Leikanger on 12 August and in Balestrand on 13 August 2005.

At "The Sognefjord Challenge" maximum 20 swimmers swim 3,7 km from the south side of the Sognefjord accross to Leikanger on the north side of the fjord. Each swimmer must ensure that they are accompanied by a skilled kayaker who will navigate the fjord on their behalf throughout the crossing. The kayaker is also responsible for alerting the safety escort boats should the swimmer get into difficulty. This challenge was also arranged in 2004 and 2005.

At the "Mini Challenge": a swim of 400 meters across Esefjord. Safety is top priority, therefore rules regarding swimming aids must be observed. Kayaks and escort boats were on hand at all times. A rope was also stretched across the fjord. And what a success: 12 people from Russia spent several days on a bus, and 12 people from the UK, as well as several people from Finland and Germany.
link: Fjordswim 2005, www.fjordswim.no

Hjem Norsk versjon/Norwegian version
		During 21 days in August 2004 Lewis Gordon Pugh swam the 204 km long Sognefjord in 74 hours and 47 minutes. After meeting enthusiastic swimmers from Leikanger and Balestrand, Lewis suggested arranging an annual swimming festival. The very first Sognefjord Swim Festival was arranged in Leikanger on 12 August and in Balestrand on 13 August 2005. At "The Sognefjord Challenge" maximum 20 swimmers swim 3,7 km from the south side of the Sognefjord accross to Leikanger on the north side of the fjord. Each swimmer must ensure that they are accompanied by a skilled kayaker who will navigate the fjord on their behalf throughout the crossing. The kayaker is also responsible for alerting the safety escort boats should the swimmer get into difficulty. This challenge was also arranged in 2004 and 2005. At the "Mini Challenge": a swim of 400 meters across Esefjord. Safety is top priority, therefore rules regarding swimming aids must be observed. Kayaks and escort boats were on hand at all times. A rope was also stretched across the fjord. And what a success: 12 people from Russia spent several days on a bus, and 12 people from the UK, as well as several people from Finland and Germany. link: Fjordswim 2005, www.fjordswim.no
A wonderful day in Balestrand!


From the left:: Arena manager and speaker: mr Einar Målsnes and the mayor of Balestrand mr Erland Fagermoen
		At the "Sognefjord Mini Challenge" there are five age groups: Whales: 50+ years Porpoises: 30-49 yrs Wild salmon: 18-29 years Starfish: 12-17 years (must have parental consent to participate) Sea urchins: 8-11 years (must swim with a parent or guardian. Guardians/ parents who swim with their "Sea urchins" have a participation fee of only NOK 50 to cover their insurance cost.)
Boats transport the swimmers across the fjord for start point.

Just after the start: all eyes are in the direction!		Safety is top priority. A rope is stretched across the fjord, and attached to boats with one supervisor in each boat. All swimmers are accompanied by a kayaker. And the youngest are also accompanied by a swimmer. .

Relay swimming in front of the Kvikne's Hotel

No problem to get something to eat and drink. The next Sognefjord swimming is in August 2007.		Registering