Remember, in addition to a Support Boat, EVERY entry MUST have an Escort paddler.

This is a team event, which includes the swimmers, paddlers and boat crew. The paddler is the first and closest safety link to each swimmer, and also assists with direction, the boat is support and backup to both swimmer and paddler.

There are thousands of people who enjoy paddling, so if you don't know someone who has a kayak, try a local bay paddling club.... we'll add more tips on locating people to join your team as a paddler,and if you are a member of a paddling club and would like to pass on your club's details, please email us on info@thebloodybigswim.com

Over the few weeks we'll also add some tips for first time Bloody Blig Swim paddlers..to help guide them on the day.

A few canny wee Tips for Paddlers

The first question is ‘What is the paddler there for ?'

  Support and safety from boats and propellers

• There will be lots of boats, and swimmers in the water can be hard to see
• You will be spotted even if your swimmer is not
• Safety for the swimmer
• The swimmer may get into trouble (like the cramps or a sea sick / underwater vomiting bout)
• So always stay close to your swimmer

  Navigation

• A swimmer with their head down will swim faster than one who is continually looking up to see where they are going.
• If you sit 2 metres from the swimmer on their breathing side, the swimmer can use you for straight line navigation    
• If you have a team, you can even give the swimmer and the boat a ‘hands up’ of  5,4,3,2,1 minutes to change over
• Your swimmer can put in a last burst before their boat break
• (I was going to say ‘fingers up’, but that’s more likely to give them a nasty fright)
• Before the start of the race, arrange with your swimmer which marker buoy you will pick them up at

• You may be paddling for 3 hours, so make yourself comfortable
• Get a nice big sea kayak with a good seat and backrest
• I saw one guy try to do ‘Rottnest’ 22 kms paddling with his arms on a surf board .. he didn’t make it !
• Take a plastic bag with you for your sun screen, hat, water, Mars bars etc (and tie it on)
• If you have lily soft office worker hands,  yachties gloves are a good idea
• If its cold or windy, throw in a rash vest or wear a spring suit (you can always pull the top half down)

      It's always a great day, and a lot of fun.....good luck and see you there !

Paddler Jeff