English Channel 2013

In the latest Xtra Normal movie with Swimmer Guy & Triathlon Girl at about 4:30 in, Swimmer Guy gives some sound advice to any would be channel swimmer.....the rest of it is good for another laugh. www.xtranormal.com/.../

way to go john! some advice; book your pilot early so you can get the slot you want. join the google group for channel swimmers groups.google.com/.../topics it may be by invitation only, if you can't join send me a note with your email address and i will put in a request for you. there are tons of great information in the archives (a lot of blather as well) the most informative posts are long and detailed and usually from mike oram (channel pilot supreme). make a pilgrimage to dover and train with channel alum and aspirants. read lots of channel swimmer blogs. though its a long swim, the journey is much longer..... enjoy it! i have a booking with paul foreman for the tide of aug 28 - sept 6 2010.

Cold water training. Get used to it. Well, they say you never do...so get used to never getting used to being in cold water. Pick up some books like "Dover Solo", etc. I just read it this Spring and it gives lots of good advice and insight. I hope to do it one day as well when I think I can financially pull it off. I know I could do the training and the distance for the attempt.

Chaos - who's your pilot? Also, I sent you a private message with my e-mail so you can arrange an invitation for me to the google group. John

I just booked for 2012. To get the best position I'd book ASAP. Sending a lot of money to someone you've never met to do something in 3 years that will be incredibly painful puts life in a different perspective. I found Dover Solo very helpful, inspiring and gave me confidence that I could prepare myself to be in 58 degree water for many hours. Personally, I set up a separate account for my swimming expenses. Budgeted up front so I knew the money was there for training and racing costs for the next 3 years (I have a number of swims planned. I think at 3 years out Ironman training can be very helpful. It requires discipline, a high tolerance for pain and a high level of fitness. With a 2.4 mile swim at the start of a race you are ready to make the transition. While I never did the Iron distance, I had to work hard to keep my weight down. That is not a problem for OWS. (I don't know which category you are in: the I can't keep the weight off or I can't put the weight on category.) Best of luck. One thing I found out right away was how amazingly helpful people were. Marathon swimmers are very unselfish with their time and energy, and their help has been invaluable to me. I am sure you'll find the same.

Just for curiosity, how expensive is it to cross the channel. Permit + pilot + other associated costs. Not including accommodations and travel.

Just for curiosity, how expensive is it to cross the channel. Permit + pilot + other associated costs. Not including accommodations and travel. pilot +/- 2000 pounds for a single other fees about 250 pounds current exchange rate is +/- 1.50 dollars/pound

Chaos - who's your pilot? Also, I sent you a private message with my e-mail so you can arrange an invitation for me to the google group. John i did a 3 person relay 9/19/09 piloted by mike oram. it was a great experience having the opportunity to talk to the pilot and observer while my swim mates were in the water. watching them adjust the course every 15 minutes based on our swim speed, tidal push, etc. was enlightening. these guys really know their job, and i can confidently just follow the boat (shut up and swim) without second guessing anything they do. i will be swimming with pilot Paul Foreman of the Pace Arrow this year.

Thanks to all! The $$ is certainly an "issue." Fortunately, I have a very supportive wife and daughter. We'll all make sacrifices. I'll tell you, I"ve already begun hearing: "That's not in your English Channel swim budget"! J