Lake Champlain 8 mile swim

Hello swimmers, I am new to this website and I'm thrilled with all of the information and expertise you all have to share. I am entering the 8 mile swim across Lake Champlain. It begins on the New York side of the lake and ends in Vermont. I have started swimming 2700 - 3600 yards in the pool 2-3x a week. I am hoping to get in the lake soon....I just want it to get above 50 degrees! I am a rookie and would appreciate any advice on workouts, nutrition, and any other tips. I have competed in 1.2 and 5 mile open water swims. This seems so much bigger to me. I am both excited and nervous. One thing that surprised me was that they allow fins. Has anyone out there raced with fins? Any pros/cons to share? I look forward to some replies. Thanks! I suggest that you poke around in the open water section for lots of past advice on nutrition, training, etc. Much of it has been said before. Keep in mind that the Champlain swim isn't really a race, per se - it's more of a "challenge yourself swim"/fundraiser and that is why they allow fins/wet suits/ etc. It is very laid back, so no need to get too wired about it. I STRONGLY suggest that you find an escort boat NOW, unless you already have. It can be very hard to find someone. I did this in 1999, so thaings may have changed a bit, but probably not by much. If I can help in any way, feel free to PM me. -LBJ

Hello swimmers, I am new to this website and I'm thrilled with all of the information and expertise you all have to share. I am entering the 8 mile swim across Lake Champlain. It begins on the New York side of the lake and ends in Vermont. I have started swimming 2700 - 3600 yards in the pool 2-3x a week. I am hoping to get in the lake soon....I just want it to get above 50 degrees! I am a rookie and would appreciate any advice on workouts, nutrition, and any other tips. I have competed in 1.2 and 5 mile open water swims. This seems so much bigger to me. I am both excited and nervous. One thing that surprised me was that they allow fins. Has anyone out there raced with fins? Any pros/cons to share? I look forward to some replies. Thanks! I suggest that you poke around in the open water section for lots of past advice on nutrition, training, etc. Much of it has been said before. Keep in mind that the Champlain swim isn't really a race, per se - it's more of a "challenge yourself swim"/fundraiser and that is why they allow fins/wet suits/ etc. It is very laid back, so no need to get too wired about it. I STRONGLY suggest that you find an escort boat NOW, unless you already have. It can be very hard to find someone. I did this in 1999, so thaings may have changed a bit, but probably not by much. If I can help in any way, feel free to PM me. -LBJ