Sometimes the window doesn’t work out due to weather. Be mentally prepared for that outcome Make sure nutrition is tried and tested. Make sure there’s variety, but not to the point of complication You can never wear too much channel grease. Chaffing sucks Work on breathing bilaterally Make sure your support crew isn’t prone to sea sickness Test out your feeding method from a boat or kayak Don’t count your feeds, it’ll "play havoc" with your head Ask your support crew to always be in your eye line. It’s lonely swimming by yourself Prepare for cold water
Take as few people as possible. One good crew is better than three sick/tired ones Aim for a non family member and make sure they know exactly what to do in the event of something not going to plan Know what to do if your feeding doesn't work on the day Don't make it into a circus Take a kit bag not a removal van load of stuff that you won't need Crew person needs a packed lunch, not a week's food shopping Remember you are swimming the channel it's not a lovely Mediterranean cruise for your friends. It's also cold on the boat even if the sun is shining so crew need to have warm clothes on Never try to guess where you are and don't ask, just swim Take a pint or 2 or milk if you plan to drink tea all day, Eric likes biscuits!! Take donuts for Eric!!
Bring goodies for the skipper!