Rottnest Channel Swim

Rottnest Channel Swim is a nominee for the 2021 WOWSA Awards in the World Open Water Swimming Event of the Year category

Swimmers in the 2018 Rottnest Channel Swim in Western Australia

Swimmers in the 2018 Rottnest Channel Swim in Western Australia

Swimmers in the 2018 Rottnest Channel Swim in Western Australia

Solomon Wright at the 2018 Rottnest Channel Swim where he set a course record of 3 hours 59 minutes 28 seconds

Eli Ball completing a butterfly crossing in the 2018 Rottnest Channel Swim in Western Australia

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Dieter Loeliger, preparing for the Rottnest Channel Swim

The Rottnest Channel Swim is one of the world's iconic ocean swims. The 19.7 km solo and relay marathon swim is held in Western Australia every February, starting at Cottesloe Beach on the Australian mainland and finishing at Thomson Bay on Rottnest Island. It is organized by the Rottnest Channel Swimming Association, the first organization honored by the Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

Divisions

The event categories for competitors are include (1) Solo, (2) Duo or teams of 2, (3) Team of 4, and (4) Lavan Legal Charity Challenge - teams of 4.

Honors

• The Rottnest Channel Swim Association, the organisation behind the Rottnest Channel Swim, was inducted as an Honour Organisation by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.
• It is annually named as one of the World's Top 100 Open Water Swims by the World Open Water Swimming Association.
• It is annually named as one of the World's Top 100 Island Swims by the World Open Water Swimming Association.

Ballot System - First-in first-served Registration

• Solo swimmers will register within the first registration period which will run for one week only. Solo swimmers who successfully register within this period are guaranteed entry into the event. Solo swimmers will secure their spot during the registration by paying the registration fee as well as updating their qualifying swim information.
• Teams and duos will register in the second registration window. Teams and duos are recommended to nominate a team captain so they can create a team or duo registration by making a full registration payment during the registration window in order for the team to be accepted. Once the duo or team has been created, swimmers from the team will be able to register themselves and join the team after all duo and team spots are sold out. This announcement is made on Facebook, Twitter and on the Rottnest Channel Swim website .
• The Rottnest Channel Swim website has information on how to qualify to swim and when to register.

Minimum Age

The age requirement is a minimum of 14 years of age on the day of the swim in accordance with the FINA rules for open water swimming (OWS 1.2).

Duos and Teams

The entry fee for the 2019 Rottnest Channel Swim are Duo fee: $620.00 + booking fee for duos and 1,125.00 + booking fee for teams. These categories include Duo (28+, 50+, 75+, 100+) and Team (56+, 100+, 150+, 200+).

Solos

An intending solo swimmer must have either completed a Rottnest Channel Swim solo crossing with the previous two years (2017/2018) or completed a 10 km qualifying swim between 1 November 2018 and 1 February 2019. Swimmers must be mindful when selecting qualifying swims different rules may apply. Solo entry fee for the 2019 Rottnest Channel Swim is $375.00 + booking fee

Swimsuit Regulations

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 swim caps with the official cap on the outer that must be worn at all times while in the water, nose clip and earplugs. Swimmers must wear one bathing suit (for modesty) and wear two suits so long as one suit comprises only briefs (men and women) or a bikini (women) that does not contain neoprene, rubber or any other material that aids buoyancy and complies with FINA’s Rules for Open Water Swimming. 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.

Escort Boats

Solo swimmers require a support boat that is a minimum of 5 meters in length. Duo and team swimmers require a support boat that is a minimum of 6 meters in length. It is highly recommended but not compulsory, that paddle craft be used to assist the swimmer/s and skipper on the day. Boats must be equipped with all the mandatory emergency marine equipment.

Lavan Legal Charity Challenge

The Lavan Legal Charity Challenge is an exclusive category for 30 teams of four who wish to fundraise for the charity of their choice by competing for the Lavan legal Charity Challenge Cup.

Champions of the Channel

Champions of the Channel is an elite wave of invited soloist that was started in 2016. All swimmers looking to enter should express their interest by emailing the Rottnest Channel Swim. Swimmers are expected to qualify for a 10 km qualifying time of 1 hour 58 minutes for males and 2 hours and 8 minutes for females. The Champions of the Channel is designed for elite swimmers including professionals and amateurs, age-group and masters swimmers.

Life Members of the Rottnest Channel Swim Association

Life membership is a special membership, confirmed at an annual general meeting of the Rottnest Channel Swim, for meritorious service made by members or committee members, that has been awarded to the following individuals:

• John Whitehead
• Peter Tanham
• Kevin Holtom
• Lesley Meaney
• John Guilfoyle
• David Craig
• Richard Verboon
• Shelley Hatton
• Les Stewart
• Barbara Pellick
• David Corney

5+ Honour Board

Several swimmers have swum more than 5 solo Rottnest Channel swims including the following individuals are on the Rottnest Channel Swim Honour Board:

• Melissa Benson in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008
• Keith Besomo in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
• Kingsley Bugarin OAM in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• Tom Clarke in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002
• Gary Claydon in 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2012
• Mark Cockcroft in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Brian Cook in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• Andrew Crace in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
• Bett Craig (Montgomery) in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009
• Lisa Delaurentis in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011(x2)
• Bruce Dewar in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010
• Claire Evans in 1993, 1994, 1995, 2005, 2011
• Tiffany Fraser-Gillard in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012
• Jonathan Haines in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008
• Brad Hardingham in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
• Benjamin Hewitt in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011
• Rohan Hollick in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008
• Masafumi Hoshi in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010
• Andrew Hunt in 2009, 2010, 2011(x2), 2012
• Julie Isbill in 2006, 2007, 2008(x2), 2009, 2010
• Rob Jeffery in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 ,1998
• Selwyn Jellie in 2005, 2007, 2008(x2), 2009(x2)
• Craig Jones in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2011, 2012
• Andrew Litster in 2002, 2004, 2006(x3), 2007, 2010
• Keira MacFarlane in2004, 2005, 2006, 2007(x2), 2008
• John Muir in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2011
• Mark Mulvayin 1997, 2010, 2012(x3)
• Brad Noble in 2007, 2008(x2), 2009, 2010, 2011
• John Nolan in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001
• Mathais Nordstrom in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011
• David O'Brien in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
• Sue Oldham in 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009(x2)
• Chris Palfrey in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010
• Penny Palfrey (nee Bond) in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010
• Tony Parbery in 2006, 2007, 2008(x2), 2009, 2010
• Wesley Phillips in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009
• James Pittar in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Steve Raynes in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005
• Tim Roberts in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010
• Cassie Robinson in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005
• Tomomi Shirasu (nee Otsuji) in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003
• Daniel Soanes in 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2012
• Les Stewart in 1956, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007
• Peter Thompson in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
• Rory Toner in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011
• Christina Trapp in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006
• Ben Walker in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012
• Jessica Walker in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012
• Carrol Wannell in 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009
• Nancy Warnock in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 2004
• Steve Wilson in 2007, 2008(x3), 2009, 2010
• Geoff Wilson in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011(x5), 2012

Solo Records

• First Male Crossing: 1956 in 9:45:00 by Gerd von Dincklage-Schulenburg
• First Female Crossing: 1969 in 9:35:00 by Lesley Meaney (née Cherriman)
• First Male Double Crossing: 1991 in 14:08:05 by Peter Tanham
• First Female Double Crossing: 1994 in 12:06:12 by Barbara Pellick
• First Male Triple Crossing: 2013 in 18:48:00 by Rohan Hollick
• First Female Triple Crossing: 2013 in 18:48:00 by Ceinwen Roberts
• Fastest Male: 2018 in 3:59:28 by Solomon Wright
• Fastest Female: 1993 in 4:10:03 by Tamara Bruce (Natural Jetty) / 2018 in 4:21:55 by Heidi Gan (Thomson Bay)
• First Backstroke Crossing: 2005 in 7:22:20 by Hamish Osborne
• First Breaststroke Crossing: 2001 in 9:29:37 by Ian Wallace
• First Butterfly Crossing: 2018 in 7:20:28 by Eli Ball
• Oldest Male: 2013 in 8:27:40 by Dieter Loeliger (80.00 years)
• Oldest Female: 2014 in 8:18:20 by Irene Keel (73.39 years)
• Youngest Male: 1994 in 5:49:56 by V Kutraleeshwaran (13.08 years)
• Youngest Male (under current rules): 2016 in 6:07:52 by Luke Smoothy (14.00 years)
• Youngest Female: 1995 in 6:14:58 by Chhavimadan (12.42 years)
• Youngest Female (under current rules): 2015 in 9:40:31 by Olivia Williams (14.08 years)
• Most Crossings by Peter Tanham (30)
• Most Crossings Female by Barbara Pellick (29)

2021 World Open Water Swimming Event of the Year Nomination

The swim was nominated for the 2021 World Open Water Swimming Event of the Year Award. The winners and nominees included:

Winner: Maratona del Golfo Capri-Napoli (Italy)
First Runner-up: Irish Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming (Ireland)
Second Runner-up: Mediterranean Peace Route (Cyprus-Turkey)
4. Authentic Marathon Swim (Greece)
5. Asociación Mexicana de Aguas Abiertas (Mexico)
6. Tampa Bay Frogman Swim (USA)
7. Strait of Bonifacio (Italy-France)
8. Around-Coronado Swim (USA) tie
8. DC Marathon Swim (USA) tie
10. Olympic 10K Marathon Swim (Japan)
11. Rottnest Channel Swim (Australia)
12. Wörthersee Swim Austria (Austria)
13. Race For The Conch Eco-SeaSwim (Turks & Caicos)
14. Trans Tahoe Relay (USA)
15. Perhentian Island Marathon Swim (Malaysia)

External links

• Doc Counsilman Helped Usher In An Increasingly Graying Trend In Channel Swimming
• Shelley Taylor-Smith, Legend
• Andy Donaldson Crosses English Channel in 8 Hours, First Leg of His Oceans Seven Challenge
• Jeremy McClure Ventures Off the Coast of Western Australia...Again
• Rottnest Channel Swim official website
• 'Twas The Night Before Christmas In The Open Water
• Celebrating Ceinwen
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Tracey Knowles
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Roger Bruce
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Rottnest Channel Swimming Association
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Grant Robinson
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Lauren Arndt
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Mark Saliba
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Kevin Holtom
• Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Gary Toner
• David O'Brien Talks About Keep Turning Over On WOWSA Live
• Tamara Bruce Talks About Swimming Young And Fast On WOWSA Live
• Blind Vision, James Pittar Making A Huge Difference
• Blind Vision, James Pittar Making A Difference
• Life Members of the Rottnest Channel Swim Association
• World Open Water Swimming Association
• Life Membership RCSA
• Champions Of The Channel, Rottnest Redux
• Tough Triple Crossing Roughing It
• World's Top 100 Open Water Swims list
• International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame website
• A Short List of Marathon Swims
• Olympic Marathon Swims For Amateurs Of All Abilities
• List of Marathon Swims
• Daily News of Open Water Swimming
• International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
• Marathon Swimming
• What Is A Marathon Swim?
• Do Marathon Runs Compare To Marathon Swims?
• Longest Marathon Swims In The World
• What is The Defined Distance Of A Marathon Swim?
• How Many Channel Swimmers Are There In The World?
• Dieter Loeliger Going Strong In Rotto
• At 79, Swimmer Is The Oldest In Rotto
• Dieter Loeliger, A Unique Man With A Remarkable Record
• Five Or More Gets On Rottnest Channel Swim Honour Board
• Michael Jordan Joins The Half Century Club
• Open Water Swimming
• World Open Water Swimming Association
• When Big Is Huge: Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival
• Oceans Seven Relay Style
• Frosty The Snowman In The Open Water
• 'Twas The Night Before Christmas In The Open Water
• Twelve Days of Christmas In The Open Water
• Jingle Bells In The Open Water
• When C.O.W.S. Host An Open Water Swim
• Rottnest Channel Swim Facebook page
• Most Difficult Swims In The World - Southern Hemisphere
• Most Difficult Swims In The World - Northern Hemisphere
• The Octad Of Open Water - Prison Island Swims
• America's Very Difficult Open Water Swims
• 10 Difficult Short Open Water Swims
• Six And More...Or Fewer
• 73 Years In The Making, Irene Keel In The English Channel
• Distance Matters In Tampa Bay
• Trial Before The Fire
• Is That A Boat Expo?
• Ready, Set Go In The Rottnest Channel
• Tamara Bruce Inducted In Marathon Swimming Hall Of Fame
• First Caged, Then Set Free To Magnetic Island
• Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim
• Magnetic Island Continues Sans Shark Cages
• Clair Harris And Julie Isbill Celebrate Their Triple Crowns
• Jason Snell On Achieving The Peak And Pond Challenge
• Summertime Successes, Victories With Vladswim
• Life-threatening Conditions In The Ocean
• Eli Bryon Flies Across The Rottnest Channel
• When Things Go Wright Across The Rottnest Channel
• Saturday, February 23rd: The 2019 Rottnest Channel Swim
• World Open Water Swimming Association
• Marathon Swimming
• Daily News of Open Water Swimming
• Open Water Swimming
• Rottnest Channel Swim Association