Here we go! The run up to the final 3 weeks.
Training has been really solid. I'm effectlively a fulltime athlete for Febraury and March. As well as having time to train, I have also been able to rest. I'm often swimming 2 sets a day, so an afternoon nap for these tired old bones is a massive help.
The Window
We head to Hawaii on March 19, effectivly arriving to the window being open. There is a swimmer lined up behind me on the 29th, so we have 10 days....a good sized window. What happens if we don't get away in the window? I have NOT bought a flight home, so...we will wait.
Accomodation
Last year we stayed a long way around the Island, making travelling in and out to Waikiki hard work. This time we have an apartment in Waikiki. We are near the swimming bay(For daily swims while we await the green light) and near the marina, the home of Captain Mike's vessel.
Crew
I have completely taken ownership of the crew. Last year we relied on Hawaii based kayakers that we did not know. This year...it's my team! People that I have swum with, as well as people that have kayaked alongside me. There will be 6 people on the boat, 4 I know intimately.
Steve- yep....no swim without the Commander in Chief!
Gravity(Charlie)- he has hosted many swim camps that I have attended across Australia and have kayaked for me many times. He has seen Callum on the good and the bad days!
Timmy- Gravity's nephew. Another very experienced kayaker. A good kid. We've been in the big blue together. Most recently he kayaked for me when I swam a 14 degree 5 hour swim on a camp. That was a tough day!
Then the local team are Captain Mike, his first mate and an extra kayaker.
Food
I have been engaging a nutritionist. Given the inevitably challenging conditions, we have simplified the feeds and stretched frequency from 20 to 30 minutes. I'm testing the feeds as we speak.
Food delivery will be a combination of Kayak and boat delivered, depending on conditions.
Communication
We are now going to run 2-way radios. The boat and the kayak are often far apart. Communication will be key!
Getting to Molokai
We are going to helicopter in. The swim requires getting to Molokai Island and swimming back. We are working with Rainbow Helicopters and Kepuhi Resort(The launch beach location). We are going to avoid the 5 hour boat ride out and basically drop in to the start! Woohoo!
We are targeting arriving at the start just after the boat. Lube up, a moment of reflection, a FUCKING AWESOME haka from the big man and then we get in it!
Righto. More to follow! I'm living this thing now! How bloody good!
How can you not be romantic about ocean swimming!
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