4.1 How to select a boat pilot
4.1 How to select a boat pilot
Here are some things to consider when the swimmer needs to hire a boat pilot(s) under contract as paid support:
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reputation
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success rate
-
ways of working
Here are some things to consider when the swimmer needs to hire a boat pilot(s) under contract as paid support:
-
reputation
-
success rate
-
ways of working
3.2 How to (not) select an escort paddler
In most cases, the swim organization will provide the escort paddler and the swimmer or crew won't be part of selecting who it will be. The escort paddler will likely be local to the area and will have not only significant paddling experience but that experience would include having paddled on the very body of water the swim is happening. Get in contact with the escort paddler once you know who it will be, and sort out what information they need to have ahead of time.
Some swim organizations will allow acquaintances of the swimmer to apply to escort paddle for a swimmer, but they will have to demonstrate the same experience and will need to receive approval from the swim organization before they would be permitted to participate. If the swimmer is putting forward an individual who wants to escort paddle for them on the swim, be sure to start the process of seeking approval from the swim organization well in advance.
3.3 How to select boat support crew
The boat support crew are the swimmer's lifeline, literally - they keep them fed and hydrated, happy(ish) and safe. From the swimmer's perspective, you're selecting people who will become part of your team and will play a direct role in supporting you on your swim.
In an ideal world, you'd probably hope to have people with experience from both ends of the feed line - they would have already done some crewing in the past for other swimmers and been the swimmer in the water being crewed for as well. But it's not absolutely necessary or even always possible, and the swimmer may select their crew based on who they trust most to have with them on the water first and foremost - meaning they will need to invest time in coaching and training their newbies. Anyone wanting to become involved in the crewing side of things has to start somewhere...​
​Here are things a swimmer can consider when figuring out who would make a great member of their crew team:​​​​​
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Someone who is involved in or understands marathon swimming rules and practices (or can learn)
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Someone who has the time and willingness to support the swimmer to the extent they'll be needing
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Someone who wants the best for the swimmer and will listen and honour their goals and needs
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Someone who is good-natured and enjoys getting along and working as a team with others
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Someone who has good communication and would be proactive at resolving issues with both crew members and swimmer
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Someone who is willing to share tasks and responsibilities, and take direction from others with delegated authorities
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Someone who is driven to see the swimmer succeed but can also make logical and objective decisions about safety
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Someone who can effectively manage being on the water and any seasickness
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What happens if no one you know is available to travel with you to your swim to be part of your crew? Ask around! The swimming community is a helpful and friendly place, other swimmers might know someone local to where your swim is being held that can crew for you, and there may be a facebook group for your swim where you can post that you're looking for someone too. You might just have to work a little harder to explain your needs to someone new, but it can be done!​​​​
3.4 Importance of establishing solid crew partnership
The crew need to work together as a team, at all times. For the swimmer's sake first and foremost, but so the crew can enjoy the experience as well. Crewing can be a ton of fun, so put effort into making it work for you too! If crew members don't know one another well before the swim, it's a good idea to connect and talk, and maybe address things like communication styles or personal needs. If a crew member has an issue or concern about something, raise it right away amongst yourselves so it can be resolved, no point in letting expectations or frustrations fester. Actively work together to establish partnership, the swimmer has enough on their mind getting ready for their swim as it is.
Team work helps make the dream work...corny, but true.
3.5 You might fuck something up though...
The best piece of advice I got from a friend before my first time crewing went something like this: "You'll probably fuck something up, so forgive yourself now before you get on the boat. Something will go wrong, but it will be fine, you'll deal with it and move on."
It made me smile and put fear in my belly at the same time, no one wants to mess anything up on a swim, but we're all human and shit does happen. Hopefully whatever gets fucked up is small, and the swimmer doesn't even notice. It's also possible that whatever gets fucked up isn't because of you, but you'll worry you could have done more to avoid it all the same. Or you'll realize you could have made different decisions to guide the swimmer that would have been smarter, or you and the swimmer could have had better communication or planning about something before getting on the water, or you didn't foresee a scenario and could have brought that one thing that would have really helped.
Or, or, or...hindsight is golden, right?​
Chill.​ Remember that you're there as a crew member because the swimmer trusts you and wants you there to support them as they work through this monumental feat. So trust yourself and your judgement, work with your other crew member(s) to troubleshoot, keep your ego in check and accept mistakes if they happen, and learn from it. You'll probably experience something new every single time you crew, and it will strengthen your ability to handle unknowns and tough situations and move quickly on your feet.
There, pep talk done...
Team INE: Nadine, Justine, Janine 2025
Sue and Nadine, The Search 2023
Crew Sarah Dobbin and Nadine Bennett
Here are some things to consider when the swimmer needs to hire a boat pilot(s) under contract as paid support:
-
reputation
-
success rate
-
ways of working