You have read all the information about the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation and now you have to decide if you will attempt a crossing. The following are some guidelines for you if you decide to do this:

1. You need to train for a 21-mile swim. This means many months (and maybe years) of training which should include a few long swims over 12 miles, one over 15 miles. You should gradually increase your training over the numerous months you are preparing. You need to do both endurance and speed work. You also need to train under race conditions. This means in the open water, under swim conditions. For the Catalina Channel this usually means swimming at night.
2. During the training swims you should have an escort, either a paddler or a boat. Your escort needs to practice with you as paddling a kayak or board can be very taxing but this also gives you a support person who understands you, your training and moods. This may be a major factor in your compleing the crossing or not.
3. You should drink fluids and experiment with the nourishment you plan to use on the crossing. You should drink every fifteen minutes in practices and races (less if the water is colder or warmer than you prepared for). You need to find out what fluids you like and what your body will tolerate.
4. You need to prepare for the water temperature of the month you will be swimming the Catalina Channel. In April it may be 62 degrees and in August it is usually in the mid 70's. If you are swimming from the Island to the Mainland, three miles off of the coast you will swim through the colder upwelling water. The water will be three to five degrees colder than near the Island. You must be prepared for this in your training.
5. Your coach or support person should be trained in CPR, First Aid, and preferably the Red Cross's Coaches Safety Course. This person must understand hypothermia and know the signs. Your life may depend on it.
6. You need to have a communication plan set up with your coach, which you have practiced ahead of time. This will allow both of you to know what is going on and feel secure in the swim.
7. Meet and talk with your navigator ahead of time. Make sure both of you know what you want and how you will accomplish this in the swim.

These are some of the basic items you need to do to cross the Catalina Channel successfully. There are numerous books on the market which may also be of assistance. CCSF sells the History of the Catalina Channel Swims, (listed earlier in the packet) so you can find out what other swimmers have done.

Following are the lists of successful individual and relay crossings of the Catalina Channel. Good luck!

Sincerely,
Penny Lee Dean
Historian for the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation