Preparing for a marathon swim

What BISA asks for

• A medical certificate and a training certificate, on the forms BISA sends after the window is approved.
• Forms and swim fee settled seven days before the window opens.
• Knowledge of the rules, declared at registration.
• Your support crew list, with role and identification, given in the notices before the window.

Feeding

Nutrition comes from the boat, with equipment to pass it to the swimmer that may not support or tow them. On the long routes, feeding is part of the plan and must be agreed with the crew boarding with you.

Crew and pace swimmers

Besides the swimmers, at most two support crew aged over 14 may board. Solo swimmers may have a pace swimmer for up to one hour per entry, with one hour between entries, from none on the 12 km to six on the 76 km.

Swimming through the night

On the 37 km, 48 km and 76 km, the ultra marathons may go through the night. Safety lights for night visibility are standard equipment. Training with them and agreeing a night plan with your crew avoids surprises.

No wetsuit

Every route is a no-wetsuit swim: textile suit, one latex or silicone cap, goggles, earplugs, nose clip and grease. Train with the same kit you will wear on the day.

Bring to the conversation

• Your weekly training volume in the pool and in open water.
• Your longest swims, with distance and time.
• The route, format and period you have in mind.
• Who will be on the boat with you and each person's role.