Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

Click here to see a web copy of this email
www.rottnestchannelswim.com.au

2017 Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim
Highly regarded worldwide and one of Western Australia's iconic events, the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim is a 19.7km open water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island. Whether competing as a solo, duo or team, the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim is a 'team' event with all swimmers surrounded by a support network of paddlers, boat skippers and crew. The event, managed by the Rottnest Channel Swim Association, is held in February of each year and is Rottnest Island's biggest day.
Key Dates

Now that you're entered in the 2017 Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim, make sure you and your team mates take note of all the upcoming Key Dates including the Metro Safety Briefing, the Support Crew Info Night and the solo qualifying swim period!

We are looking for Volunteers!

With the 2017 Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim around the corner, we've begun our search for volunteers! Volunteers are a vital part of the Rotto Swim culture and without their amazing dedication we would not be able to deliver the Event.

As a volunteer you'll receive a 2017 t-shirt and hat, a front row seat to all the action and you get to help swimmers cross the finish line!

We require volunteers for a variety of roles, both at the Event Briefing on Saturday, 4 February 2017 and on Event Day - Saturday, 25 February 2017 at the start and finish line.

If you want to join our amazing volunteer crew, register your interest here.

Please note, volunteers must attend the compulsory Volunteer Briefing at 10am on Saturday, 14 January 2017 at HBF Stadium.

Rotto Swim Support Crew Info Night

Last year we held the inaugural Support Crew Info Night and, after a hugely successful event, we are excited to announce we will be holding another free session on Wednesday, 18 January 2017 in the Wardroom at Fremantle Sailing Club from 6pm.

The Support Crew Info Night is designed for first time skippers and support crew who are looking for some insight into what to expect on swim day, as well as tips and tricks to ensure a safe and successful crossing. Of course, if you have supported the event before or you're a swimmer, you are also welcome to attend!

Registrations are essential, so reserve your place here. For more information, visit our Event page or email enquiries@rottnestchannelswim.com.au.

2017 Paddler Course available!

Would you love for a family member or friend to be your paddler, but you're not sure if they have the skills? Not to worry...Canoeing WA (CWA) has got your back!

CWA is holding a course that is specifically designed for new or inexperienced paddlers who want to support you in the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim. It will be held the morning of Sunday, 5 February 2017 and will run through the basics of paddle strokes, paddle tips and what to expect on Event day. The session will cost $50 and will run from 8.00am to 12.00pm at the Ascot Kayak Club at Garvey Park.

If you are interested, please email enquiries@rottnestchannelswim.com.au with your full name and mobile number. Paddlers are required to bring their own equipment to the session. 

 Swimming WA qualifying swim update

Swimming WA has updated the minimum age requirements to 14 years on the day of the competition for the 10km swim in the 2016/17 Open Water Series. If you and your child are considering completing a solo in the 2017 Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim, you may need to consider this age restriction when choosing which 10km qualifying swim to enter.   

If your child will be turning 14 years old on, or close to, the day of the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim, please contact Swimming WA on 9328 4599 to discuss qualifying events for juniors. You can find more information on the Open Water Series and age restrictions here.  If all else fails, contact us.

A message from the Department of Transport (Marine)

Please be aware that the Department of Transport (Marine) defines a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) as one that is for use in connection with a commercial, governmental or research activity.

Recreational vessels that are hired or hired out (then defined as a DCV) are in direct violation of the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 and there are significant financial penalties, with a minimum fine in excess of $2,000 for any contravention of the Act.

If you are looking to hire a vessel, please make sure it complies with the DoT's definition of a Domestic Commercial Vessel otherwise it may result in the vessel being prohibited from operation immediately (withdrawn from the swim), along with a breach report forwarded to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

If you would like more information on the definition of a recreational vessel or tips on finding a support boat, please visit our Support Crew page on our website.

Additional Merchandise

T-shirts are still available for purchase through the online registration system. These are an awesome memento for the 2017 Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim and are ideal for support crew 'thank you' presents. 

T-shirts are $40.00 each and, if purchased online before Tuesday, 3 January 2017, will be included in your registration packs for pick up at the Event Briefing.

To purchase additional t-shirts simply sign in to your ACTIVE.com account and 'Edit' your registration to update the number of t-shirts you would like.

 

Interested in supporting an interstate or international team? 

As the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim event grows every year, we are lucky to attract a number of international and interstate swimmers who wish to join you as you make the annual crossing to Rottnest. All entrants are required to have a support boat for the swim and solos who have registered to share a boat must have a paddler each for swimmer safety.

The RCSA is seeking expressions of interest for skippers and support crew who would like to assist with an international or interstate solo, duo or team.

We understand how difficult it can be to find a support crew and even more so for our distant swimming community. If you are interested in helping an international or interstate swimmer, please contact enquiries@rottnestchannelswim.com.au and we will connect you with those looking for a support boat and crew.

If you are still looking for a skipper and support crew yourself, we encourage you to post on our RCSA forum or facebook page. 

Win 7 nights in a 3 bedroom villa at the luxury Karma Kandara Resort

As a thank you for supporting the Karma Rottnest Channel Swim, Official Sponsor Karma Resorts invites you to join their latest exciting initiative and welcome you to a members' club with a difference – no strings, no stuffiness, just a superb way to enjoy a lot more Karma in your life. 

Enjoy huge savings and discounts across all Karma Resorts including 25% off accommodation, spa packages and food and beverages as well as unique experiences and events. And the best part... as you're a supporter of the swim, the $499 USD fee has been waived.

Simply log onto www.karmaclub.com and use 'SWIM17' in the promo code to receive your complimentary membership plus go into the draw to win a 7 night stay in a luxury 3 bedroom villa at the award winning Karma Kandara resort in Bali valued at $7k! 

Register now for the Open Water Swimming Series

There are still 15 Rounds to go in the Swimming WA Open Water Swimming Series. With regional and metro swims plus two more rounds with team swims, this is the perfect opportunity to get in some practice for your Rottnest crossing or qualify for the 2017 Champions of the Channel.

Go to openwaterswimming.com.au to register now. 

www.rottnestchannelswim.com.au

Click here to forward this email to a friend | Click here to unsubscribe