Swimmers Seminar

The Rottnest Channel Swim Association held the annual Swimmers Seminar for solos, duos and other interested Rotto swimmers on Tuesday 16th August 2011 at Challenge Stadium.

The information evening included a panel of President, Ray Yong and Event Assistant Jessica Duncan who gave an insight into the registration process, past soloist Katrina Sykes who shared her emotional experience which lead her to a successfull crossing in 2010. 

Leaving everyone captivated and motivated to know more about the iconic event, Sophy Porter, who has had a wide range of sports nutririon experience, having worked closely with 'The Fremantle Dockers', for 6 seasons and 'The Western Force', since their inception in 2005. She also consults to The Perth Glory, WA rugby Academy and was a member of the sports nutrition team at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, presented nutritional tips for training and race day, as well as advice on training programs and injury prevention.

To finish up the presentation Paul Newsome, Head coach for Swimsmooth, talked about injury prevention and pacing strategies.

Copies of the presentation from the Swimmers Seminar are available for download below for those who were unable to attend on the night. The RCSA has also additionally provided all those who attended, some very important information regarding hypothermia that is crucial to a swimmers preparation for the 2012 Rottnest Channel Swim.

Hypothermia is a significant medical risk of mass participation long-distance open water swimming and the attached research document below of the same name, was written by Professor Ian Rogers following an observational study he conducted of solo swimmers in the 2006 Rottnest Channel Swim. The RCSA strongly urge you read this document carefully to understand the hypothermia risks associated with this event as hypothermia is frequent in open water swimming and may be life threatening.

The results of this study strongly indicated that an increased BMI of the swimmer appears to be protective against hypothermia and we suggest you review your own BMI and consult a dietician or nutritionist to discuss your potential need to increase your BMI before undertaking the Rottnest Channel Swim.

Sophy Porter is an Accredited Sports Dietician and is available for individual consultations at sophy@sophyporter.com or to look for a dietician in your area visit Sports Dieticians Australia at http://www.sportsdietitians.com.au/findasportsdietitian