Catalina prep
MikeH
Member
Hey everyone,
I’m booked for a Catalina crossing and would like to familiarise myself with the lay of the land (water) a few months ahead. If I come to the area, can I swim a bit off of Catalina island somewhere, ie is there a swim beach on Catalina? And...same question for the usual landing spot.
Thanks, Mike
Comments
Hi Mike,
I'm not all that familiar with swim spots on Catalina itself (most swims start at Doctor's Cove) and you can always visit and swim the usual landing spots (Terranea Beach, Sacred/Smugglers Cove), but one of the best ways of preparing for Catalina (other than the actual swim training, of course) is to play a part
in someone else's Catalina crossing, either crewing/kayaking or observing.
Let me know if you need a local kayaker for Catalina; the offer I made after you observed my Mercer Island swim still stands. :-)
Thanks , I appreciate that.
More than familiarizing yourself with the water and landing spots - which can be pretty much the same - I’d make sure I’m comfortable swimming in pitch black waters, which is a common reason among DNFs. In my case I prepared by swimming the 22K annual night race in Acapulco and by practicing with my kayaker in the fourth stage of SCAR - I know, not too many hours in the dark but good to have the kayaker practice if he’s not too experienced. Cheers
Thanks, appreciate that! I've done a number of open water swims at night, though, so I'm OK on that front. I have other challenges .
Hey there @MikeH
I am trying to establish a date this summer (ideally August) for Catalina, working with my support crew at our New Year's Eve Celebration tomorrow to nail down a date that is good for all of us. When is your swim scheduled? Is there a way to connect with other swimmers prior to Catalina? I am on the opposite coast, in NC. I would be happy to crew for someone prior to my swim, within the week prior- Happy to pace a little too if there is someone of the right speed (or if faster could fin pace).
I wasn't originally planning on the Catalina Channel, just focused on the English Channel (and have been for 32 years to date). I was thwarted by the English Channel as a teen ($$$) and I am so glad to come back to this now. I have done some long swims (20k) and just got the bug from there. I have decided to do the Catalina while I wait on my English Channel slot scheduled for Late June 2021 (not ideal, but an opportunity no less)- this kind of swimming makes me tick and I am so looking forward to it!
Words of wisdom now being accepted, of course.