Since I signed up for the massive challenge of swimming the channel I've been looking for different events that will help me build up to it. I've found a few interesting things, some which I signed up for (Night Swimming & Burgh Island) and others that I just looked at and said there's no way I'm doing that (the Chillswim Boxing Day dip in Lake Windermere, wetsuits optional).
One event that I wanted to do was the Henley Swim Bridge to Bridge; a 14km swim down the river Thames from Henley to Marlow. Unfortunately by the time I realised I wanted to do it the swim was all sold out.
Luckily for me, I met a few like minded people for a dip in the Thames a couple of weekends ago and was asked via email the other day if I would be interested in being a safety swimmer for the event. I jumped at the chance. I have to guide my pod (that's right a group of swimmers is called a pod, feel free to make a whale joke at my expense) down the river making sure we stick together and close to our safety kayaker. It should be good fun and gives me a great excuse to get some decent time in the water. I'll try and get a few photos as I go down the river and post them next week.
Just in case anyone has any ideas about jumping in their local river please be sensible and make sure you are safe. Rivers can be dangerous, best go with a group of experienced swimmers and if you can wing it a safety crew.
One event that I wanted to do was the Henley Swim Bridge to Bridge; a 14km swim down the river Thames from Henley to Marlow. Unfortunately by the time I realised I wanted to do it the swim was all sold out.
Luckily for me, I met a few like minded people for a dip in the Thames a couple of weekends ago and was asked via email the other day if I would be interested in being a safety swimmer for the event. I jumped at the chance. I have to guide my pod (that's right a group of swimmers is called a pod, feel free to make a whale joke at my expense) down the river making sure we stick together and close to our safety kayaker. It should be good fun and gives me a great excuse to get some decent time in the water. I'll try and get a few photos as I go down the river and post them next week.
Just in case anyone has any ideas about jumping in their local river please be sensible and make sure you are safe. Rivers can be dangerous, best go with a group of experienced swimmers and if you can wing it a safety crew.