Marathon Swim Packing List & Tips!
No matter what swim you are working to accomplish, marathon swimming requires careful preparation and planning. This includes not just physical training but also making sure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for the swim. Here's a fairly comprehensive packing list with some essential tips on packing effectively. Not all swims are the same, so the items you need to pack may vary but this list will get you 90% of the way there!
Swimming Equipment:
Swimsuit: You'll need a standard swimming suit that adheres to the Channel swimming rules - that means no wetsuits. Make sure it's comfortable for long-duration swims.
Goggles: Pack at least two pairs of reliable, anti-fog, UV-protected swimming goggles. Different tints (clear, mirrored, colored) can be useful for varying light conditions.
Swim Caps: Two or more bright colored swim caps are recommended for visibility incase you lose one along the way.
Ear Plugs: These can be a very helpful item for keeping your ear ways clear. It will also prevent cold water from entering the ear canals making you feel even colder than you may already be.
Channel Grease: To prevent chafing and sunburns during your swim, bring along channel grease or a similar product. Channel grease is a mixture of petroleum jelly, lanolin and zinc oxide.
Glow Sticks/LED Lights: These are required to be attached to your swimsuit during early morning or night swims for visibility. You will want to bring enough for yourself, support swimmers and possibly kayaks or other support boats.
Nutrition and Hydration
Feeds: This will be a mix of liquid carbohydrates, protein shakes, or other feeds that you've trained with and are easily digestible. Make sure to bring extra incase the swim doesn’t go according to plan and you are out there longer than expected. If you don’t have enough fuel, finishing the swim will become almost impossible!
Water and Electrolyte Drinks: Adequate hydration is crucial. Electrolyte drinks can help replace salts lost during your swim. Bring plenty of extra water for making your feeds if necessary and to keep the crew well hydrated.
Hot Drinks: Bringing warm liquids in a thermos will be very helpful during cold water swims. It will give you some internal warmth as well as additional hydration to keep you going.
Feed Delivery System: This will be whatever tools, bottles, ropes that you need so that your crew can get the food from the boat to you as quickly and easily as possible.
Safety and Navigation Equipment
GPS Tracker: This is often provided by your pilot but having your own can be useful for your support team.
First Aid Kit: Include items for sea sickness, hypothermia, and general first aid supplies. You should have enough for yourself and all on board as well.
Whistle: A safety whistle can be useful for drawing attention in case of an emergency.
Support Crew Supplies:
Warm Clothes: Your crew will need warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable deck shoes.
Binoculars: Useful for your support crew to keep an eye on you.
Flashlight/Headlamp: For your crew to manage feeds and navigate the boat during low light periods.
Clipboard, Logbook, Pens and Whiteboards: To log your feeds, stroke rate, and any other important observations along with easy communication with you while in the water without having to stop you.
Food & Drinks: Just as you need to be fueled well so will your crew. Make sure to have plenty of foods and drinks for your crew to be well fed so they can support you.
Personal Comfort
Sunscreen: Waterproof, high SPF sunscreen is crucial.
Towels and Blankets: For drying off and warming up post-swim.
Dry Clothes: For after your swim, including warm hats and thermal layers.
Sea-sickness Bands/Pills: These can be lifesavers for both you and your crew. If you start vomiting your feeds due to sea-sickness, your swim will be at risk as you may not have enough fuel in you to complete your swim! Make sure you have trained taking these so you are not trying anything new on the day of your big swim!@
Packing Tips
Label All Feeds: If you are traveling with lots of powders and gels, this can be concerning to airport security. Pack your powders and gels in their original containers, label them well and include a note explaining what they are for incase your bag is searched. The last thing you want is for your feeds to be confiscated right before your big swim!
Waterproof Everything: Pack your gear in waterproof bags. Clear bags can be helpful so you can see items quickly.
Organize By Category: Keep swimming gear, nutrition, and personal comfort items each in separate bags so it's easier to find what you need quickly.
Pack Extra: Especially for crucial items like goggles and nutrition, it's better to have too much than too little.
Check With Your Pilot: Ensure you're aware of what they will provide and what you're expected to bring.
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Remember, every swim and swimmer is different, so it's important to tailor your packing list to what you know you'll need based on training and previous swims. Of course, it's not just about having everything packed – make sure you and your support crew know where everything is and what's needed when. Good luck with your marathon swim!