Where to from here??

Jaxon,

As with everything in life, its all about money. Its going to cost you heaps. The easiest way is to charter a boat and a crew. They will charge by the hour and plenty. However its guaranteed. Next option just hire a boat and then advertise for crew. This will lessen the expense although you will be up for food, drink and a shirt (perhaps even accommodation) for the crew. Next option become friendly with anyone that has some connection with Perth and they may know someone with a boat, this is the cheapest but you are still up for the other costs.
Boat first and everything else is easy. Paddlers easy to find and they love it, don't know why. Well worth it when you step on to the beach.

RCS 604

Hi Jaxon,

I came across from Melbourne to do the swim, and yes, it is logistically a little more difficult. But well worth making the effort.

Having contacts is the easiest part. Most people in Perth know this swim, and I have found the west has some people very eager to help out - the finish at the Quokka Arms is worth the effort. Perth people love helping out. Ask around the pools if people know people who have done the swim. Ask people in general if they have friends in Perth. I was amazed at people's generosity - people I had never met before. Even try a posting on this website - a friend of mine found a boat driver on this website.

When I did arrange a boat, and a paddler, I paid for petrol and bought them a t-shirt and a slab of beer each. They thought this was more than enough.

For accomodation - stay in Cottesloe. The briefing is there and then it is just a short walk to the start line.

And take someone over with you. You need someone there for general support - to talk through things, to ensure you have packed everything, to put your wool fat on etc. Maybe that person is your paddler too.

Yes, it all does get a little expensive, but I look back at my solo swim and there is no other swim I have done in Australia that compares to the Rottnest experience.

Make the effort.

Cheers.

Thanks for the replies. It seems now I have secured a boat. Whoooh!!! That’s one logistical hurdle overcome… a few more to go.

Thanks “Shredder”, you are correct. People are very eager to help, and from what I’ve found here in Queensland, if you do know someone who has had involvement, they will go out of their way to send you contacts and help in any way. The way people talk about this swim is very infectious. It’s a must do as far as I’m concerned.

I will make the effort…. Thanks

Jaxon