Helpful Items

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!

However, if you use other stuff, dilution may be different. Emma told us what they do for Dover training sessions:

“We basically mix double strength and then dilute to normal with hot water.  There are 3 feeds you may have heard of and each have different size scoops so it’s important to follow the instructions for the right one:

Maxim:  14 scoops per litre
Maxi:      9.5 scoops per litre
CNP:      I believe it’s 8 scoops but am waiting to find out.  I’ll come back to you if it is different.”

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!

Extensive and very up to date list on Loneswimmer.com – English Channel Swimming Checklist

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, especially if you swim on a spring tide!