FAQs
What if I need to change a swimmer in my duo/team?
The online registration system has now closed for any swimmer detail changes. If a member of your team or duo has had to pull out, swimmers are now required to download the 2012 Swimmer Change of Details Form below and complete and return to RCSA as soon as possible.
All details listed below are compulsory.
First name
- Surname
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Mobile number
- Email address
- T-shirt size
- Emergency contact name
- Emergency contact telephone number
- Emergency contact mobile number
- Medical conditions
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 2012 Swimmer Change of Details Form.pdf | 106.41 KB |
How do I find a support boat?
Organising a support boat is often the most difficult item to organise.
The options with the best success rate are as follows:
1. Advertise within the 'Forums' section on our website - this has proven to be the most successful method.
2. Post a notice on the wall of the HBF Rottnest Channel Swim Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/HBF-Rottnest-Channel-Swim/183145998400870#!/pages/HBF-Rottnest-Channel-Swim/183145998400870
3. If you know of anyone in Perth, perhaps ask them to ask around on your behalf.
4. Hire a boat. A quick web search is the best way to find boat hire businesses in Perth.
5. Advertise in local newpapers/The Quokka.
6. Advertise on Gumtree - FREE online.
Do I need a paddler?
Whilst it is not compulsory to have a paddler it does make it a lot easier if you do have one on the day. Some solos have been known to use 2 paddlers on the day and work on a rotational basis as it can be a long day on the ocean for some!
Paddler/s will assist you to find your boat at the start line and are a great support in helping you get across the finish line. Paddlers are pretty keen to be involved so you are best to try the local surf clubs (Fremantle SLSC, Cottesloe SLSC, North Cottesloe SLSC, Swanbourne SLSC) and/or post a notice on the HBF Rottnest Channel Swim Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/HBF-Rottnest-Channel-Swim/183145998400870#!/pages/HBF-Rottnest-Channel-Swim/183145998400870 as paddlers regularly check this page if they are interested in assisting swimmers in the event.
What kind of swimsuits can be worn in 2012?
The rules regarding swimsuits remain the same as they were for the 2011 event for the 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim.
Under clause 22 of the Constitution, the Rottnest Channel Swim Association Committee at the Committee Meeting on 30 November 2010 amended By-law 1. Confirmation of the Committee Meeting Minutes took place at the following Committee Meeting held on 14 December 2010. The Committee wishes to inform and advise Members that By-Law 1 which governs the use of swim wear and artificial swimming aids has been amended and approved to be in force with immediate effect. For ease of reference, By-Law 1 reads as follows:
In any Rottnest Channel swim attempts, no swimmer shall use or be assisted by artificial aids of any manner. Swimmers are permitted to grease the body before a swim, use goggles, wear a maximum of two caps, nose clip and earplugs. Swimmers must wear one bathing suit that does not contain neoprene, rubber or any other material that aids buoyancy and complies with FINA’s Rules for Open Water Swimming with the exception that until 28 February 2012 the bathing suit may be a swim skin of any brand, or the pointzero3 or nero swim suit made by Blueseventy. In addition to one bathing suit that complies with this rule, swimmers may wear one rash vest or stinger suit made of porous textile material (such as nylon or lycra), which does not extend beyond the ankles, the neck or the wrist.
To further understand FINA’s Rules for Open Water Swimming, we suggest you refer to FINA By-Law 8.4 at the following link which addresses approved suits for open water swimming:
In addition to this, the list of approved FINA swim suits can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.fina.org/H2O/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=917&Itemid=461
Please note that FINA’s list of approved swim suits does not include any swim suit containing a zipper. The swim suit exception until 28 February 2012 allows a swim skin of any brand, or the pointzero3 or nero swim suits made by Blueseventy, which may have a zipper but must not contain neoprene, rubber or any other material that aids buoyancy. The optional rash vest or stinger suit may contain a zipper but must be made of a porous textile material and not extend beyond the ankles, neck or wrist.
If I don't live in Perth how do I complete my solo qualifying swim and attend the compulsory briefing?
If you are a first time solo swimmer, or you have not succesfully completed a solo crossing in the last five years, you need to qualify by completing a 10km time trial in 4 hours and 15 minutes between the months of November and January. However if you are not a resident of Perth and hence can't participate in the Rotto Rehearsal on Sunday, 29th January 2012 or attend the compulsory briefing on Wednesday, 8th February 2012, please please contact admin@rottnestchannelswim.com.au.
Once I have completed my 10km time trial what do I do next?
All first time solo swimmers must complete a 10km time trial in 4 hours and 15 minutes or less, between the months of November and January in order to qualify for the 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim.
Residents of Perth are encouraged to enter the Rotto Rehearsal on Sunday, 29th January 2012 at Sorrento Beach. This event is organised by Swimming WA and further details are located at the following link: http://www.openwaterswimming.com.au
Once you have completed your 10km time trial, please email the RCSA office at admin@rottnestchannelswim.com.au and confirm the details of your swim by either sending through the results or the website link to where the results can be downloaded from.
All details of qualifying swims must be provided to the RCSA by no later than Sunday, 29th January 2012.
How do I know what size T-shirt to order?
All swimmers receive one complimentary T-shirt each with their entry. Additional T-shirts for your support boat skipper, paddler, or friends and family can be purchased via the online registration system. The T-shirts are $30 each and are available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL or XXL.
Size Chest Length
XS 51cm 69cm
S 55cm 72cm
M 58cm 74cm
L 60cm 76cm
XL 63cm 79cm
XXL 65cm 82cm
XXXL 67cm 85cm
(Please note that the chest measurements are for ½ chest taken 2cm below the armholes and 1.5cm +/- variations may occur. Sizing is unchanged from previous years).
T-shirts can only be collected at the compulsory Rottnest Channel Swim Briefing held at Challenge Stadium on Wednesday 8th February 2012. T-shirts can also be exchanged for an alternative size at this time if necessary.
Can I enter as a solo as well, in case my duo/team isn't selected in the ballot?
No you cannot. You must only enter once and in one category only. Swimmers who submit more than one entry will be penalised and will be banned from entering the 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim for two years; the current event and the next event.
What size support boat do I need?
The minimum requirements for the support boats are as follows:
- Solo swimmer - 5 metre boat
- Duos/teams - 6 metre boat
Boats 10 metres or greater must stay south of the fleet at all times. A tender will be required to be in close proximity to the swimmer.
Further minimum support boat guidelines include:
- 1 x life jacket (PFD Type 1) for each person on board - including swimmers and paddlers;
- All skippers must be in possession of a Recreational Skippers Ticket - this ticket number will need to be provided at the time of entering your registration;
- All vessels must carry an operational two-way marine radio VHF or 27MHz, two hand-held organe flares, and two parachute distress rocket flares;
- All vessels must meet the WA Navigable Waters Regulations requirements for registrable vessels;
- All vessels must be equipped with the required mandatory safety and emergency equipment as per the WA Navigable Waters Regulations;
- All vessels must carry an anchor and line;
- Vessels greater than 7 metres must have a bilge pump fitted.
Please note: If a boat fails to meet the minimum safety equipment requirements, the team or individual will be disqualified (DSQ).
What are the entry fees for the 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim?
The 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim entry fees are as follows:
- Solo entry fee - $175
- Duo entry fee - $350
- Team entry fee - $700
- Lavan Legal Charity Challenge entry fee - $1,650
Payment is required at the time of acceptance and can be paid via Visa or Mastercard only.
How is the Lavan Legal Charity Challenge team category different to the standard team category?
The Lavan Legal Charity Challenge is an exclusive category for teams who wish to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation by competing for the Lavan Legal Charity Challenge Cup.
The 35 teams who are accepted in the ballot into the Lavan Legal Charity Challenge will receive the following benefits:
· A separate morning briefing (for two team representatives) including complimentary light breakfast at Lavan Legal;
· A Lavan Legal Charity Challenge Race Pack for each swimmer including the official 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim towel and backpack;
· Exclusive invitation for all team members to the VIP function (held from 2pm - 5pm) at Hotel Rottnest;
· A donation made on your team's behalf to the Starlight Children’s Foundation;
· A framed photograph of your team at the finish line.
In 2010, The Bondi Vet’s Chris Brown along with Deano, Hoppo and Whippet from Channel Ten’s Bondi Rescue won the Lavan Legal Charity Challenge Cup. After missing out on reclaiming their title in the 2011 event, the boys are all back in the 2012 event to have another go at claiming the Lavan Legal Charity Challenge Cup!
The entry fee for this exclusive category is $1,650.
Teams who are unsuccessful in the Lavan Legal Charity Challenge ballot, will be transferred into the standard team category ballot.