2012 - A New Challenge - by Lorraine Rate

Following the disappointing cancellation of SKS, not to deter the swimmers from attempting a challenging 6 hour swim this summer, the 6 swimmers have decided on a 'safer' but equally as exhausting challenge of swimming from The Crowstone in Chalkwell to Southend Pier and back again, 3 times over. 

This equates to approximately 15 kilometers and with only one tide to complete the 3 laps, it will be made even more difficult by the fact that they will be swimming against a fast incoming and fast outgoing tide for two of the lengths.

• The first length, as the tide comes in, will be tough but the swimmers will be fresh and strong.
• Length two should be relatively quick as the tide will still be incoming as the swimmers return to the Crowstone to complete lap 1.
• Lap 2 hopefully should not cause too much of a problem, as long as the weather is kind.
• Length 5 will be swum with an out-going tide, so although the swimmers will be extremely tired, provided they are on target, they will have the force of nature on their side.
• Length 6 will be THE KILLER.  6 tired, exhausted swimmers will only be able to reach their goal and get back home, by swimming against a strong outgoing tide.

As soon as we have the exact date that all swimmers are available, I will advertise it.  I do hope lots of you will come down to the beach to support the challenge.  It would be nice to have some company too.  If you want to swim alongside one of the swimmers for a section of the challenge, I am sure they would be grateful for the company.

The swimmers will need as much support between laps as they can get so any volunteers willing to wade out and pass some jelly-beans, bananas or go-faster drink would be welcomed.

As the swimmers are doing this challenge to raise money for the RNLI and Essex Search & Rescue, any volunteers willing to walk the beaches with the charity buckets to grab a few donations, would also be gratefully received.  Please email Lorraine Rate on bettsyhouse@hotmail.com or catch her at one of the Crowstone Crawls if you are able to offer your support on the day.

Thank you.