12 km Rottnest Channel Swim

This morning was the annual Rottnest Channel Swim, some 12 km from Cottesloe across to Rottnest.

Solo swimmers would take 4 to 5 hours in good weather whilst the entrants in teams of 4 can often take 6 to seven hours. A cut off time of 4pm ensures the stragglers are not out there for too long.

It attracts swimmers from all over the world who tackle the channel. Today the weather was good and the water was flat to start with, but winds and waves would build up later in the day, just to make the last few kms all that more challenging.

The pink helium balloon used by one of the swimmers is to alert her support surf board roder that would accomany her on the trip, paddling along side to keep her on track.

I watched from 0600hrs when the solo swimmers left untill 0800 when the last group left.

I had my 5 minute swim in shallow water and retreated for tea and toast. I will see the finish line on this evenings news...not being one of those who tackle this adventure.