Pilots
The number one question we get asked, who can take me across!
Although there have been 100 years of swims taking place in the Bristol Channel, there are very few active commercial pilots who have successfuly taken a swimmer across. Below is the list.
When booking your swim we strongly advise you to check the pilots experience of both navigating the Bristol Channel and escorting swimmers. Escorting a swimmer at less than two knots through these waters is very challenging! All of the pilots have other work swims need to fit around so ask if you can book a tidal window and how many swimmers will be on the window (as per the EC) or if you are being offered single day slots. Check your payment terms and payment due dates. Have a look at their policies on bad weather, rescheduling and cancellations. Ask where the boat is moored and where you will need to meet them (this year boats will be piloting out of Cardiff, Swansea and Ilfracombe). Make sure you are fully happy with all the T's and C's before you book a swim!
​
You do have the option in the Bristol Channel of finding your own pilot, be warned however the Bristol Channel has the second largest tidal range in the World and with tides pushing 15 metres at the eastern end, we strongly recommend if you go down this route you do your due dilegence!
​
Please note although we know and work with the pilots, our role is to observe and ratify swims, not to provide a boat and a pilot! We have no commercial links to the pilot boats. Follow the links to their websites below
Bristol Channel Swimming
Ceri Davies has a commercial watersport business based in Swansea and a number of suitable boats. He has piloted all four routes and has set up the website linked to take swim bookings (click on the picture). Swims are off the motor vessel Shee Ann, the rib in the picture (cobra) or a smaller 6.5m rib "cougar"
Mark Hutchings
Wild Frontier Charter Ilfracombe
Mark has a ten metre catamaran charter business based in Ilfracombe. The boat has plenty of space and a dive lift.
The Epic Swim Co.
in 2024 Tom Chapman and Bryce Davies, both channel swimmers and founder member of the BCSA set up the Epic Swim Company. They have two commercially coded Highfield ribs, King Twbi in Penarth and Dreamchaser in Porthcawl.
