To benefit Jason's Dreams

• This is not a race. It's a challenge, work together as a team.
• Please make sure we have your 1 mile swim time, (on entry packet). If you don't know what time you do for an open water 1 mile swim, maybe you shouldn't be considering an 8 mile open water swim.
• We will be staggering the start according to your approximate swim time (slower swimmers start first).
• Stay close, keep an eye on the kayak and the other swimmers in your group. Swim no more than 20-30 feet from boat. You will swim on the right side of the boat at all times.
• Drink plenty, eat light but enough. You need to re-fuel before you complete 2 hours of exercise. Your body will start to break down after that. It is important to eat & drink. Use Accelerade, GU, power bars, Endurox R4 or fruit and cookies. Anything that is easy to digest.
• Use Vaseline under arms and back of neck. The wetsuits will rub. Sometimes even your swim caps will bother you.
• Yellow caps will be provided to be more visible.
• Swim slowly & steadily. Look around every 20-40 strokes during your breath, just to keep someone in check.
• Promote others to come and cheer you on at Marine Park and at the finish. The main reason for the river swim is to get exposure.
• Swimmers will probably want to stop every hour or so for food/water. Decide before start at what intervals (per boat) the stops will be.
• It is important to know what swimmers intend on not completing the entire swim. It’s ok to swim as much as you feel like, get in a boat and rest for a while and get back in again. The boat can bring slower swimmers towards the front, if needed.
• As we approach the turn at Marine Park, Kayakers will assess the situation and advise us. Sometimes there are boats leaving the marina going out to the Ocean.
• We are requesting every swimmer raise $175. This is a fundraiser, let's not forget the cause. Donations: Make checks payable to Swim For Kids. The money raised will go to Jason’s Dreams for Kids
• Kayaks- Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of food and water.
• It is important for kayakers to help guide the swimmer through the river. Help be the swimmer’s eyes and help them swim a straight line. Usually just a bit in front of them or off to one side or the other, discuss it with them before the start or after a few minutes. Sometimes they will decide as they go along. Some people breathe on only one side, some on both. Keep a lookout for approaching boats.

Q. What time do we meet and where?

1. Meet at Victory Park, Rumson ( just off Oceanic Bridge, Rumson side) 11:00am

Q. What should I do with my "stuff?"

Food and drink that you’ll need during the swim, place in plastic bag or other bag, possibly water resistant, and bring with you to on the bus to put in the kayaks. Relay swimmers; be sure to bring towel/sweatshirt on the boat to keep warm when you are not swimming.

17. Where is the start?

1. We are actually starting the swim at Victory Park, slower swimmers start first.

17. Are wetsuits allowed?

A. YES! Wetsuits are highly recommended, even necessary-water temperature should be around 68 and you will be in it for 3-4 hours.

17. How many boats will there be and who is going with which boat?

1. There will be one kayaker for every swimmer, with maybe one or two exceptions. The kayaks will carry your food and water. We have 2 support boats, and the Marine Police.

17. What should we bring to eat?

1. Bring whatever you have tried before. We will have Accelerade available for you, but it's always best to drink something that you have exercised with before. Bring Power bars &/or oranges, bananas etc. Drink plenty!!! You will loose water even if you don't feel hot. Very important to drink during the swim.

17. What if I feel I can't make it or feel tired?

1. Stop swimming and raise your arm immediately to signal the boat or the kayak escorting you. The kayaker will signal one of the support boats. You can get into the boat. The support boat can transport you if you want to sit out for a while. Kayaker can paddle faster to get up towards the front of the group in the event the swimmer wishes to get back in. If the swimmer feels like they want to swim more, get back in.

17. What about rain?

1. Rain, Ok, thunder & lightning, not. In case it is still dangerous, the swim will have to be postponed by about a week and possibly done in the ocean.

Q What if I fall behind?

A. That’s ok. We will start slower swimmers early. People will cheer you along the way.

 

ENJOY AND HAVE FUN! BE SAFE