Frequently Asked Questions
Champions of the Channel
1. When will Champions of the Channel be held?
The inaugural event will be held on Sunday, 28 February 2016. It will be held the day after the
Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim. Both events will form part of a ‘Rottnest Festival of
Swimming’.
2. What is the prize money for Champions of the Channel?
The Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA) is in the early stages of planning so we haven’t
yet set the prize money. However, we anticipate it will be significant. We understand that this
will be an incentive for a lot of swimmers!
3. How is it different to the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim?
This event varies greatly to the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim! Here are some of the
differences:
Type of Event
Date
Overall time cut-off
Number of Participants
Prize Money
No. of Waves
Karma Resorts Rottnest
Channel Swim
Mass community participation
Saturday
5.00pm
~2,500
1st $1000; 2nd $500; 3rd $300
13
Champions of the Channel
Elite and exclusive
Sunday
11.00am
~300
Much more!
1
4. Would I qualify to enter?
As this is an exclusive, high performance event, we will require those looking to enter to
demonstrate they are capable of swimming in this event and will meet the time cut-offs. The
qualification requirements will vary depending on the category but, as a guide, solos will need
to demonstrate they can swim 10km in less than 2hr 30min or previously made a Rottnest
Channel crossing in under 5hrs.
5. How do I register?
At the moment, we are calling for expressions of interest to get a better understanding of
what swimmers want and how to structure this event. If you want to register your interest,
you will be in no way committed to enter. We will simply send you more information when
we have it, including when registrations are open.
Please note that the RCSA retains full discretion as to the number of entrants. Depending upon
final demand, the RCSA can’t guarantee a place in the starting field for all interested swimmers
who can attain these indicated times.
Champions of the Channel – FAQs
Page 1 of 2
6. Why have you decided to expand the event in the way that you have?
Over the past 18 months, the RCSA has been actively trying to find ways to expand the event.
We have considered a number of options:
 Solos and duos on Saturday, teams on Sunday
 Solos Saturday, duos and teams on Sunday
 Two starts; two finishes
 One start; two finishes
 Have a second event on a different weekend
Each option has its flaws. Our biggest concern is the safety of competitors. Another major
concern is losing or lessening the atmosphere that exists on event day. The event continues
to grow and we want to facilitate that, but we can’t change the event that people love. It
wouldn’t make sense. All of the options compromised either safety or atmosphere.
Our solution is to, rather, run an iconic, world-class elite event on the Sunday after the Karma
Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim. As the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim (Saturday’s
event) is at capacity, we do not have scope to further market this event and build upon the
elite component. However, the model used for the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim is
successful and can be replicated on the following day. This will make it a ‘Rottnest Festival of
Swimming’, which is another strategic objective for the RCSA. A secondary aim is to take some
pressure off Saturday’s event by having some of the existing elite swimmers enter Sunday’s
event.
7. How can I register my Expression of Interest?
Please email your name, contact information and proposed category to Hayley at
[email protected]. Alternatively, you can phone (08) 9389 4080.
Champions of the Channel – FAQs
Page 2 of 2