Kessock Ferry Swim
Standard Entry Fee £75 By entering as a Sponsored Swimmer you agree to fundraise a minimum of £175 excluding Gift Aid. All proceeds fund Aban's charitable outdoor programmes as well as our Community Partner grant, which this year goes to the Merkinch Primary School Parent Council. |
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About Àban
We are a Highland outdoor education charity and award winning social enterprise. We're changing lives through the power of outdoor adventure by offering weekly £1-to-access outdoor youth groups for biking, mountaineering, and open water swimming. We also offer a free of charge outdoor gear library.
What is the Kessock Ferry Swim?
- A tidal swim across the Kessock Narrows
- Follow the old ferry route between South & North Kessock, with easy entry & exit from the old pier
- An Invernessian tradition dating back to 1946
- Non-competitive event supporting the local community in Merkinch & South Kessock
How far and fast do I need to swim?
There's a reason you're going to feel an amazing buzz after you finish this swim. Like all tidal open water crossings, swimming the Kessock narrows is inherently unpredictable. Each year our water safety team go through a painstaking process to determine the friendliest tidal window. You will be in safe hands but we can't guarantee the distance.
You will have a maximum of 1 hour in the water. Expect to swim an absolute minimum of 1200m. You should be able to swim at least 1700m comfortably. Some swimmers have recorded distances up to 2000m. Essentially the slower you swim, the greater the impact of the tide, meaning a longer distance to cover. After 1 hour the tide starts to run faster and all swimmers will have to be out of the water.
How would you like to enter?
Sponsored Swimmer Entry £35
Enter for £35 and commit to fundraising a minimum of £175. Funds go to support our community outdoor programmes. We also pass on a £1,500 donation from sponsorship funds to our Community Partner - Merkinch Primary School Parent Council.
Standard Entry £75
Prefer not to fundraise? You can purchase a standard entry for £75.
However you enter, a 50% discount is available for swimmers who live in the catchment area of Merkinch Primary School - please contact the office on 01463 718989 for our discount code.
What's Included in the Price?
We're aiming to give all swimmers a warm Inverness welcome and a top-quality swim experience, including:
- Indoor changing with secure storage, just a short walk from the start / finish
- SportIdent safety system, including the option to have your time published
- Comprehensive safety cover with a large fleet of RIBs and sea kayakers
- Professional event medical cover, including a shuttle service should you need to retire halfway at North Kessock
- A light meal from our favourite local catering firm Grazey Days
What is the minimum age to take part?
All swimmers under the age of 18 require parental consent. The minimum age is 12 on the day of the event.
Swimmers under 14 must be accompanied by a designated adult swimmer throughout the swim.
What safety equipment do I need?
A tow float is mandatory for all swimmers. These can be hired if you don't have your own.
All swimmers under the age of 18 must wear a wetsuit.
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
This event offers the option to purchase XCover, so that participants may be able to get a refund if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
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