Info for Paddlers

A paddler is a person who follows closely alongside a swimmer and helps them with food, drink and direction. It’s not compulsory to have a paddler, but it’s highly recommended, especially for solo swimmers. Some solo swimmer’s use two paddlers on rotation throughout the day, as it’s also a long day for them on the water. Although if you are a tandem soloists, you are required to have a paddler.

Paddlers provide great assistance on the day by:

• Helping swimmers remain visible by being closer to the swimmer than their support boat
• Helping give the swimmer food and water from the support boat
• Helping swimmers find their support boat at the start line. Paddlers must start from the Cottesloe Beach starting area (paddlers cannot start from support boats), meet their swimmer from the 500m buoys and assist in finding the support boat after the 1000m buoys.
• Supporting the swimmer after the 19km buoy (when the support boat must leave the swimmer)
• Leading swimmer safely into 400m swim channel at the end of the race (paddlers must leave the swimmer at the 19.25km buoy).

You can connect with paddlers through local surf clubs such as Fremantle, Cottesloe, North Cottesloe and Swanbourne SLSCs. Posting in the Boat & Paddler Facebook group or Rottest Channel Swim Association Forums is also effective.

These notes have been prepared by Paddle Western Australia Inc.

The Rottnest Channel is an exposed, unpredictable stretch of water. Expect 4–9 hours on your craft and prepare for all conditions. Bring sufficient water, food and sun protection, and manage your own comfort and safety – your ability to perform well is essential to supporting your swimmer.

Be Prepared and Confident
The event is demanding, and you must be ready to:

• Cope with rough conditions including wind, swell and variable weather.

• Maintain stability while providing food and drinks to both yourself and your swimmer.

• Secure all items so they remain accessible in the event of a capsize.

• Build endurance by practising long paddles and understanding any discomforts from your paddling position.

• Optimise posture through correct leg length and back support.

• Use bracing strokes to manage bumpy conditions efficiently and with less effort.

• Select an appropriate craft; shorter craft are generally easier to manoeuvre.

• Stay close to your swimmer—this takes practice, especially in rough water.

A hydration pack works best, and your support boat should carry extra water for refills. Dress for changing conditions with compulsory lifejacket, UV protection and a hat with a chin strap. Thermal layers help when wet, and you may need to add or remove clothing as conditions shift.

If starting at Cottesloe Beach, practise entering through the shore break. Train for capsize scenarios by re-entering your craft with all your gear on board. You must be able to manoeuvre confidently around power boats and beside a slow-moving swimmer, using effective forward, reverse, sweep and draw strokes.

• If you’re planning to enter the water at Cottesloe Beach, be conscious of the shore break and how to negotiate it – all of your preparation can float away if you fall at the first hurdle.
• You need to make sure you practice capsizing your paddle craft, with all of the gear you’re planning on having with you on the day, and getting back in. Capsizing often happens on the day so it’s definitely worth a practice so you’re not caught out.

Assume power boats may not see you – keep a safe distance and position yourself clearly.

Canoeing Western Australia encourages paddlers to build foundational skills through a local canoe club and complete an Open Water Paddle Competency Assessment.

If you’re a first-time skipper or paddler in the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim, this session is designed for you! Hear from an expert panel featuring representatives from Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group, the Department of Transport (Marine), the RCSA Race Director, and experienced skippers and paddlers who know the event inside out.

You’ll gain insider tips and tricks, learn what to expect on event day, and discover invaluable advice from those who’ve been there before. While the session is tailored for first-time support crew, everyone is welcome – whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or simply feel more confident on race day.

Don’t miss this opportunity to set yourself up for success and ensure your swimmer has the best possible support!