ROTTNEST CHANNEL SWIM

The 19.7km Rottnest Channel Swim is one of Australia’s most iconic open water events. Ryan Duell braved strong currents and swells to swim his first race over 10km – and found himself on the podium

Ryan Duell

Taking off before sunrise and heading out into waters that are known for containing some large marine life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; however, the Rottnest Channel Swim remains a highly regarded swim in the Australian ocean swimming calendar and one of Perth’s premier events, attracting participants from all over the world. The 2017 event welcomed 2,457 swimmers. I first experienced the swim in 2014 as part of a duo (two-person relay swim) and returned this year to complete the 19.7km swim as a solo participant.

In its 27th year and held in late February, the swim is open for solo swimmers and teams of two or four. Every competitor and team is required to organise their own support boat and it is highly recommended to have a paddler to assist with navigation and feeding. In recent years the organisers have added waves for Champions of the Channel (a race within the main race open to elite solo swimmers), teams and tandem solo (two solo swimmers of similar ability with one boat). Organisers require solo swimmers complete a 10km qualifying swim in the three months prior to the swim.