For obvious reasons security arrangements are left to Wayne.
How many Rotto Solos have you done?
I have done four solo swims, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2011. I missed 2010 due to paddling commitments for another channel swimmer.
What was your toughest race ever and why?
It was my first rotto race which I had planned to do in a team but when they missed the registration date it was solo or nothing…… what a baptism of fire! The weather proved to be one of the toughest crossings ever and after an exhausting 9 hours in the water and 1 hour in first aid I celebrated in true style with a water and a panadol.
What do you think about when you are finding training or a race really tough?
I think about my family mostly and how awesome they are and how, no matter what I choose to do they are all there supporting me ……..Yeh right! In reality, for me, I just focus on finishing and if Andrew is in the water then beating him! (who is another channel dare swimmer)
What do you reward yourself with after a big training session or race?
There is nothing better than a breakfast fry up the day after.
Wayne models part time for Nivea Sun Care.
What are you looking forward to most about the Channel swim?
I am looking forward to the experience and the personal challenge of completing the swim and arriving, preferably on a sandy beach in France!
What are you most worried about in Channel swim?
I worry that after all my training and preparation that I will suffer leg cramps and need to be pulled from the water and not be able to complete my dream.
What or who has inspired you to do this swim?
Basically I am driven by personal challenge….. I suppose that is part of my personality. If I was into mountain climbing I would probably want to conquer Everest.
How many kms will you rack up in a week min-max?
For the next 4 months leading up to my swim my minimum would be 30km and my maximum 50km. I also do 2 pilates sessions a week.
What do you think about in these long swims?
Two things really, the first is where I am in the swim and what the next marker ahead is and secondly I am looking around thinking about whether or not any sharks are lurking below me or coming up on my tail.
Tell us something about your preparations for the English Channel that you would not normally do for any other sporting event.
In marathon swimming, fatigue is your friend.
Are you a competitive person? Who is the most competitive person you know?
YES! What more can I say. All the others seem to think I’m the worst but don’t let their smiles fool you. As for Ceinwen it’s like she has an outboard motor attached to her with the throttle stuck on full. Don’t let the smile fool you this girl is tough. As for Mr Smooth (aka Paul Newsome) “Lets all meet down at Cottesloe for a social swim”, does Paul really know what a social swim is?
What do you like to eat during these long swims?
I have just about had enough of honey and jam sandwiches washed down with powerade so I need to come up with something warm that is going to work for me.
Will you be getting a tattoo after this swim to symbolise what you have achieved?
I think I will wait until I finish the swim and see how I feel.
CDFBCC: Thanks Wayne!
Hi mate! good trip across the channel…
Wayno, best of luck for the swim. You were swimming better than I have seen you swim in training over the last month so you must be ready. Enjoy the day. Cheers
Business partner and best friend
May the water be warm and calm, i know you won’t stop till your standing on the warm sands of France mate
Hi Wayne, good luck, stay strong, don’t try & sprint past anyone. Will be thinking of you, Suzanne x
Good luck Wayne… please get to France safely… or Goldie will kill you!
xx
All the best Wayne. Hope the weather is kind to you. It is going to be a tough and long night but enjoy the experience. You can do it!!!
Will be cheering you on from here. You’re an awesome person and we know you can do it! All the best.
Really sorry to hear the weather turned against you. Rest up mate and hopefully the weather will turn around and you will get another shot at it. Stay strong.
All the best Wayne. Sorry to hear the conditions stopped you from continuing. Sounds like you were swimming strong and would have blitzed it in – awesome. Hope the conditions are better the next attempt. Good luck and awesome effort. Bruce and Vicki
Hi wayne, thought I’D wish you luck on your second try,I know that water is b—– cold. Hope some of the family were there to cheer you on.
Cousin Jo in the U.S.a
Hi Wayne,
Met up with your Dad on Samphire Ho and watched you head out into the channel whilst taking a break on a bench. Bad luck on the weather halting your intrepid adventure – all the best for the future. Here’s to the next time
Good Luck Wayne!
We are following your swim on-line. We can’t wait to celebrate your amazing achievement with you when you get back home.
So sorry to hear the dickie shoulders have curtailed your 3rd attempt. Swimmers curse I’m afraid. Nothing to be done but rest up, get the shoulders right and try again down the track.
Wayne, huge and magnificent effort to swim two hour stretches in any water let alone that water. Bad luck and mother nature worked against you this time but you should still be massively proud. I hope you still have some swimming bug left for sessions in Perth.
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