Cool to invite yourself on someone's solo swim?

LSjswimsLSjswims Member
edited May 2012 in General Discussion
Hi,
So is it cool for someone (a stranger) to invite themsevles on your solo swim that you had to get a permit for and arrange boat and kayak escorts for on a route that you want to be the first to swim? I want to be cool and fun and as nice and welcoming as the rest of the open water community has been to me, but this does not seem right. Thanks for any and all thoughts.
Laura

Comments

  • gregocgregoc Charter Member
    When and where is the swim? I want in too.

    Just kidding. It is kind of a loaded question and of course the answert is "No, it is not cool."
  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member
    its your swim.... invite who you want.
    BridgetStLucia_Channel

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • LSjswimsLSjswims Member
    Yeah, I didn't word my question in a very neutral manner did I? My bad. Thanks for the supportive responses and humor!
  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    Shoot, I was hoping this thread dealt with it from a volunteer's perspective. For example, is it cool for me to ask for an invite to crew someone's swim? Granted, my request would be of someone I know (at least virtually). Hint hint, @evmo, @aquarob, and @watergirl. ;)

    In answer to your question, I'm with @david_barra. It's your swim.
    Bridget

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • loneswimmerloneswimmer IrelandCharter Member
    IMO the only acceptable thing is say you are available to crew. If the crew is full you can put yourself down as emergency backup crew, but put zero pressure on the swimmer, they have enough to deal with.
    Bridget

    loneswimmer.com

  • ChickenOSeaChickenOSea Charter Member
    I agree, a kind no-pressure offer to crew is not rude. A self-invite is pretty rude, but would be made much less so if it was accompanied by a large cheque.
    dpm50
  • jendutjendut Charter Member
    I probably would just tell that person that your permit (or whatever paperwork you had to do) is only good for one person. Unless the check was VERY big!
    dpm50
  • KNicholasKNicholas ArizonaCharter Member
    I've been in your shoes and it is very uncomfortable unfortunately. I had to be honest and say i was sorry but they weren't invited. All worked out well in the end. You've probably worked hard at setting the goal and training for it. Do it the way you want to do it and you won't look back.
  • LSjswimsLSjswims Member
    What a witty and nice bunch of folks - but I knew that from lurking for a while. Thanks so much for the suggestions. And yes, my paperwork doesn't have room for any more swimmers. Brilliant!
    Bridget
  • BridgetBridget New York StateMember

    Solo. Self explanatory. ;) Crew and alternate crew can offer to help. Even an offer to be a support swimmer should be very carefully worded, and put out as an "If you need or want. . . " not a "I can be a support swimmer." ZERO pressure on the swimmer.

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