When I speak to people about marathon swimming they think it’s a solo sport.

“It’s amazing how you can do all that on your own!”

They couldn’t be farther from the truth. I am indebted to some of the unsung heroes in ultramarathon open water swimming, some of who I’ve name checked below, but many of whom I have probably missed including volunteers and official ratifying organisations.

Here is my proposed extended team – And I’m keen to hear who’s in yours.

Nick with pilot and training partner Michael Jennings

A blog on SELKIE seemed a good platform to use to do this thanking!

• Support swimmer – I didn’t need one in my English Channel swim but  they were invaluable in Lake Geneva and the No
• Experienced pilots – You are paying for their expertise (and their crews’) : take their advice. Question if appropriate but don’t argue!
• Locals – Those who live and swim in the conditions regularly. Train with them, ask about conditions, places to eat, accommodation etc. The Dover Channel Training group and Chunky Dunkers in Northern Ireland are prime examples.
• Kit suppliers – From goggles to hats to warm layers. Even swimsuits required occasionally…
• Investors – Financially and time wise. Family and friends and work invest in you. Make sure you try and pay them back. Say ‘thank you’ occasionally.
• Exercise therapist – Like sports masseuse. Deep tissue massages from Tom Enright at Peacocks gym in Canning Town, London, have been invaluable by keeping me going through my training and helped recovery.
• Social Media Manager – You’ll be amazed how much updating people require before, during and after the swim. Twitter, Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram all provide support and needed updating with progress of training, sponsorship, progress etc.
• Whole Family – Both blood and swim family. Keeps you going when it gets tough.
• Invertebrate expertise – I know I’m stretching it here but I’ve become an expert on jellyfish…
• Masters swim team and coach – Thank you to Romford Town masters swim team, especially Martin Fenner,  getting me to work on technique, speed (lol) and keeping me going in Winter months.
• Chauffeur  – You need one to and from swims and training. Don’t drive yourself after long swimsl. Get others on insurance etc.
• Open water swim club / coach – Do as you’re told by the beach crew. Get support from those around you. Only those with you, know what going through. Emma France and Mandi from Dover Channel Training have been instrumental in my success.
• Medical support – You need to get through the medical check but also look after yourself in training and on the day. Get yourself checked over and be honest. Learn some first aid. Read my Selkie blog on some medical considerations.
• Psychologist – Do what works for you. Read up on the subject. Get professional help if needed. I went to and visualised the start of the swims. I have successfully swum the swims and picked that pebble up many times in my head and in my dreams.
• Alumni – Harvest as much info from those that have done the same, or similar swims before you. Integrate it in to your practice.
• Nutrition – Both in training and on the big day. Keep self healthy in training and do what’s right on the day. Check out my previous blogs about nutrition.here and here
• YOU – a key part of the team but you come last, as without the others, you will not get off the ground.

So say ‘Ta’ to those who have got you on the start line, and safely to the finish.

Nick, his sister Charlotte and Tom getting splashed by Lake Geneva

You can find out more about Nick and what he gets up to in his BIO