what does it take to swim big distance?

I am a very experienced marathon swimmer and can recommend that you will need to train much more to swim 38 miles, regardless if it is current assisted. When I train for my own swims or when I coach/help/train with other swimmers, it is VERY necessary to swim at LEAST 60-75% of the length of the swim before you attempt it. In fact, most of the marathon swimmers I know (and I know most of them), do at least 3 or 4 swims of 4-8 hours each in building progression before taking on anything over 18-20 miles. I train about 35K-50K yards (a bit more for England) per week for at least 6 months prior to a marathon swim and will do at least 3 swims of over 6 hours during that time. My rule of thumb is to train for AT LEAST 6-8 months for a swim of over 15 miles (I coach at least 12 months to build up muscle memory and to ensure easy recovery), and that for a swim over 20 miles, which will usually take in the 7-10+ hour range, a swimmer should have done at least 2 swims of 6 hours or more in the prep up to the swim, but not closer than 3-4 weeks before the "big" swim. (The more experienced of us can turn around marathon swims of 8+ hours in as short as 2 weeks, but the shoulders can get fried if the conditions are rough in either swim) Remember, it's not really if can you make the distance, but that you make it with strength and preparation and don't destroy your body/mind in the process. Those of us who do multiple series of marathon swims are very, very, very aware of training in ALL KINDS of conditions. It's amazing how one's stroke will change in wind, chop, waves, swells, currents, etc. So in short, SWIM A LOT MORE, and then you'll be ready. The swim will be there next season, and you'll be so much happier if you are prepared. I see too many aspirants fail who think they are ready and it can be mentally tough for them in the end when they discover in the swim, that they are not. And then there is the training for feeding, for the mental aspect and sensory deprivation. Also figure out if you can pee and swim, etc... Don't take a long swim lightly, as your body and mind will both need preparation well in advance. Finally, find an experienced marathon/open water long distance swimmer who is experienced in the swim you are attempting (or something similar). You'll find that most of us in are willing to help anyone who wants to try one of these long swims. Best of luck and hope this helps. Best swimming Scott (English Channel, Catalina Channel, Manhattan Island, Tampa Bay 24 mile swim, Seal Beach, etc, etc, etc)

I am a very experienced marathon swimmer and can recommend that you will need to train much more to swim 38 miles, regardless if it is current assisted. When I train for my own swims or when I coach/help/train with other swimmers, it is VERY necessary to swim at LEAST 60-75% of the length of the swim before you attempt it. In fact, most of the marathon swimmers I know (and I know most of them), do at least 3 or 4 swims of 4-8 hours each in building progression before taking on anything over 18-20 miles. I train about 35K-50K yards (a bit more for England) per week for at least 6 months prior to a marathon swim and will do at least 3 swims of over 6 hours during that time. My rule of thumb is to train for AT LEAST 6-8 months for a swim of over 15 miles (I coach at least 12 months to build up muscle memory and to ensure easy recovery), and that for a swim over 20 miles, which will usually take in the 7-10+ hour range, a swimmer should have done at least 2 swims of 6 hours or more in the prep up to the swim, but not closer than 3-4 weeks before the "big" swim. (The more experienced of us can turn around marathon swims of 8+ hours in as short as 2 weeks, but the shoulders can get fried if the conditions are rough in either swim) Remember, it's not really if can you make the distance, but that you make it with strength and preparation and don't destroy your body/mind in the process. Those of us who do multiple series of marathon swims are very, very, very aware of training in ALL KINDS of conditions. It's amazing how one's stroke will change in wind, chop, waves, swells, currents, etc. So in short, SWIM A LOT MORE, and then you'll be ready. The swim will be there next season, and you'll be so much happier if you are prepared. I see too many aspirants fail who think they are ready and it can be mentally tough for them in the end when they discover in the swim, that they are not. And then there is the training for feeding, for the mental aspect and sensory deprivation. Also figure out if you can pee and swim, etc... Don't take a long swim lightly, as your body and mind will both need preparation well in advance. Finally, find an experienced marathon/open water long distance swimmer who is experienced in the swim you are attempting (or something similar). You'll find that most of us in are willing to help anyone who wants to try one of these long swims. Best of luck and hope this helps. Best swimming Scott (English Channel, Catalina Channel, Manhattan Island, Tampa Bay 24 mile swim, Seal Beach, etc, etc, etc)