Hi everyone,

Can any openwater swimmers share a swim programme that would help me finish this event? It is 11 kms in length (I don't know about currents or tides as yet). I have swum two Ironman swims one with suit (1 hour) one without (1:05) so I realise I am just an average Joe. I am swimming about 12- 15 kms a week now and am looking to ramp this up to 25-30 kms a week. Any guidance at all would be most welcome.

Food in the swim, hydration, anti-cramp strategies, sea sickness, stinging blue beasts etc?? its all untested waters for me.

I saw people swim it from Chowder Bay last year and made a snap descision to enter it then as it does look like an awesome swim.

Wings

Hi wings - can't really help you with a program, but thought I'd mention that a mate of mine up here and myself are pencilling this one in too. I think Biggers is swimming about that much each week - send a PM and that might help you out.

Me, I'm doing the same sort of approach to this race as I do to any other - just making it up as I go along, flying by the seat of the pants sort of stuff. Should be fun

Wings. I think your 15km a week would be adequate. I have done the last two Bridge to Manly swims on similar totals, although I did throw in a few 10km pool sessions.

The swim is a unique experience and I am planning to fly up for it again this summer. swimming past Kirribilli, the Opera House Wooloomooloo, the zoo.......it is something to behold. The best highlight of all, however, is rounding Middle Head and catching sight of Manly for the first time [although still over 2km away], then there is the view out the heads when breathing to the right which is just awesome. The final run up the beach is the ultimate satisfaction. Then you get to ride the Manly ferry back into town and think "S**T, did I really swim that far"

The swim is generally against an incoming tide so progress is slow....I think I was about 3:40 last year. Water temps are comfortable. In 2006, a large slick of bluebottles in Middle Harbour put a sudden halt to things as we were all plucked out by emergency craft [ouch, those buggers hurt] but locals insist that blueys in the harbour are very rare. Nio blueys were to be seen in 2007

As a minimum, you will need a paddler with you. Surf skis can be hired from Manly Kayaks who supply many craft for the event.

Personally, I started with two water bottles and two more of diluted gatorade. I basically took a large swig from one or the other every 25 mins and I finished strongly. I did have a few gels etc on board but never felt the need for them.

The organisers do allow wetsuits but they are very much in the minority and you can expect to be looked upon with scorn by the non wetties.

Thanks for the replies. It does sound like a lot of fun.

I think I will be at the rear of the field so the leaders can test the waters for blueys.

Kevin I will look out for you.

Cheers again,


Wings

Aren't there sharks and Chochito's in the harbor too ?
Or is that just a Victorian rumour ?

The only sharks you need to worry about inhabit the large financial institutions that overlook circular quay. The ones in the harbour only take a leg or arm!!

A serious question but is there a lunatic fringe of the hard core that eschews goggles also ? Budgie smugglers only ?

I don't know of anyone who swims without goggles, but certainly the hardcore are budgie smugglers, goggles and thin latex cap as per international open water rules regardless of water temps