– if possible – ask other Channel swimmers for their experiences and feedback. You can oſt en fi nd other Channel swimmers through your local lido,swimming club or on social networking websites.
GET IN TOUCH Once you’ve chosen the organisation you wish to swim with, contact them straight away. If you’re serious about the swim, don't delay. Channel swimming is enjoying such a boom in popularity these days that there are queues of swimmers waiting two or three years in advance.
DECIDE ON YOUR SWIM Solo or relay: that’s the question. No doubt you will have decided this by now, but it's worth running through the pros and cons of each. A solo swim might be the dream of a lifetime, but it's just you in the water from start to fi nish. You will have your pilot boat alongside you leading the way, with her crew and your own personal supporters on board, and you might even be allowed a support swimmer in the water for a limited amount of time, but this is solely at the pilot's discretion. You must enter the water, swim and exit the water unaided onto clear, dry land for the swim to be successful. You may pause to eat or drink but can’t touch your boat or any crew member.
CHANNEL SWIMMING – THE FAQS
Can I wear a wetsuit? No. Well, you can, but your swim won't be recognised as a bona fi de unassisted Channel swim.
Do all swims start in England? Yes. French authorities no longer allow swims to start from France. The only way you can start in France and end up in England is by doing a two-way.
How do I deal with hazards? Part of the boat pilot's fee is in recognition of his skill in guiding swimmers across such a busy shipping lane. If you do everything they tell you to, you will be as safe as it's possible to be.
How do I prepare mentally? You will get plenty of practice swimming through pain, boredom, fatigue and your own resistance during training.
Should I swim for charity? That's up to you. Certainly it is a great tool for raising money. However, consider whether you want to add fundraising and collection to your growing list of things to do when preparing for a Channel swim.
IT'S A LONG JOURNEY FROM YOUR FIRST TRAINING SWIM TO TOUCHING LAND IN FRANCE – YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO ITALONE
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