Countdown to the Catalina Channel Swimming Season

Record Number of Swimmer Applications
CCSF Saw 24 Solo Swimmers in 2008
A special message to the swimmers who took advantage of the early entry discount. Thank You. Based on your applications, it appears the 2010 season will be a record for the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation. Nearly 40 solo swimmers have set a date for the Channel and several relays are making plans. This season is guaranteed to be an exciting one.

Because the CCSF allows entries throughout the season (provided its submitted 45 days in advance of the attempt) we could see these numbers grow even larger. Our volunteer team would deeply appreciate that swimmers submit applications sooner than later. And for those swimmers already on the calendar: Happy Training.

Observer Orientation Plus CPR Training
This Saturday in Los Angeles — May 15th
There’s still time to join the second CCSF observer training session, Saturday May 15th. John York hosts the Los Angeles training session (map and detail). Please RSVP directly with John. Complete instructions will follow your emailed RSVP.

At the first CCSF training event, in San Diego, one dozen observers got re-certified. This weekend in Los Angeles, another dozen volunteers will undergo training. Bring your USMS membership card to the event and walk away certified in CPR, also receive a Catalina Channel Official Observer Toolkit, and your 2010 membership to the CCSF.

Rising Demand for Observers & Paddlers
Paula Selby Coordinates Observers & Support
The CCSF is optimistic we can meet the rising demand in Catalina Channel. With over 40 swimmers already on the 2010 summer schedule, it means we need a large force of volunteers to draw upon.

Paula Selby is in search of paddlers, kayakers, support crew and observers. Contact Paula Selby today via email or phone (619.303.0423). If you’re interested in donating some of your time to assist marathon swimmers, the return on your investment is immeasurable.

USA Swimming Coaches Safety Training
Special Session Scheduled for June 12th
Thanks to the demand, Paula Selby has organized a USA Swimming Safety Training for Coaches session. You can join the event by emailing Paula Selby. The training session is in the San Diego area (Grossmont High School) on the morning of Saturday June 12th.

The class will be taught by Becky Jackman. The CCSF applauds the successful CPR training session lead by Becky in San Diego. For the first time, the CCSF included First Aid training along with CPR. Becky Jackman confirmed with the USA Swimming office that they will recognize Medic’s First Aid certification. Just provide a copy of your scored test with the USA’s Coaches Application.

Penny Lee Dean to Speak June 5th
Global Open Water Swimming Conference in Long Beach
Organizer Steven Munatones has recruited the original president of the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation to speak at the 2010 Global Open Water Swimming Conference. Penny Lee Dean’s topic will be her 1978 record-setting day in the English Channel. Based on her decades of experience, she authored the bible of Open Water Swimming. Penny still holds 2 solo records in the Catalina Channel. Her time of 7 hours and 15 minutes remains the fastest time ever. Also, her double-crossing in almost exactly 20 hours is the fastest among the 4 women who’ve accomplished the Catalina two-way.

The original Catalina Channel double-crosser, Greta Andersen back in 1958, is also making a presentation at the Global Open Water Swimming Conference. She’s promised to bring newspaper clippings and memorabilia from her heyday. While training for her Channel crossings, it wasn’t unusual for Greta to swim 10-miles daily near Belmont Plaza — without goggles.

Please join the Catalina Channel members who are eager to hear those remarkable stories — and so many more — from the international athletes, coaches, officials & physicians at the Global Open Water Swimming Conference. This symposium, on Saturday June 5th at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel, will cover the latest training, tactics and techniques for open water swimming. For more information, go to PacificOpenWater.com
IMPORTANT CCSF CONTACTS: Swimmers apply by writing Info@SwimCatalina.org
To be added-removed from this email distribution list: News@SwimCatalina.org
Treasurer Carol Sing collects membership fees CarolSing@SBCglobal.net
Her mailing address is 11487 Oralane Drive, El Cajon CA 92020
The Catalina Channel Swimming Federation Fax line is 866.910.3285
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