Openwater Issue 1, Summer 2016 | Page 12

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THE Karma resorts

Rottnest channel swim

Event Preview

EVENT Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim

WHEN 27th February, 2016

DISTANCE 19.7km

WHERE Starting Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia(AU)

REGISTER http://rottnestchannelswim.com.au/

The Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim is regarded worldwide as an iconic event on the West Australian calendar. The event also boasts one of the largest participation rates for any long distance open water events in the world with the 2016 even being held on Saturday the 27th of February.

You can participate as a solo, duo or part of a team with all swimmers being surrounded by a support network of paddlers, boats and support crews. At some points having over 950 boats in the water as part of the event. The swim is also considered as a logical stepping stone for swimmers looking for other open water swim events around the world such as the English Channel Swim. The 2015 race hosted 245 interstate swimmers as well as 44 international swimmers, giving it a true international flavour.

The starting line is held at Cottesloe Beach with solo swimmers starting at 5.45am with the final wave leaving the sand at 7.45am, with the first solo swimmer expected to arrive at Rottnest Island at 9.45am, amidst over 20,00 spectators and supporters lining Thompsons Bay.

The 2016 event will also hold a second even on Sunday the 28th of February called the Champion of the Channel(CoC). The second event will be held for elite swimmers which have made pre qualification entry times and has serious prize money on offer for the top swimmers crossing the finish line.

The replica tall ship, Leeuwin, based in Perth and waiting for swimmers at Rottnest Island.