Here I am going to add helpful items regarding Channel Swimming – regarding training, preparation and the big day – by experienced Channel swimmers or pilots.

1.  How to mix Maxim for a Channel Swim – by Nick Adams

Very useful instructions for the big day!

2. Helpful Channel Swimmers Checklist (2005) by Julian Crichtlow – from Nick Adams website www.channelswimmers.com.  What is missing is mouthwash (recommended by many) and a few more bottles. Also glow in the dark rope can be helpful or a blinker/light attached to night feeding bottles. MOST important: passports!

Also, seasickness pills are best tested in advance for drowsiness, and should be taken a few hours  before the swim – by everyone, swimmer and crew! During our relay everyone who had not taken any pills got seasick – especially those how swore they would never get seasick!

3. Feeding and more by Mike Oram – with plenty of other helpful and interesting notes by Freda, Cliff Golding etc. on: www.thechannelswimmers.com

Jane Murphy`s Feeding gear demonstration on Dover beach:

Jane Murphy has had plenty of opportunity to optimize feeding procedures for her husband Kevin, "King of the Channel"

Jane`s Feeding Gear

In 2010 I was lucky to find a jug like the one Jane was showing us last minute at Varne Ridge in the left-over box. It was the best feeding bottle I ever had! The lid can be screwed tight, and the spout is big enough and opens easily – but small enough so seawater does not get in.

For our rope we used a bigger roll – just make sure the rope does not entangle too easily. Be sure the rope is long enough (ca. 10 m), you may be drifting away with your bottle fast!