Some of my open water swimming friends are planning to swim on Sunday around Beavertail - from Mackeral Cove to Dutch Harbor - and get the swim recorded under the Marathon Swim Federation rules. It's about 7 miles and will take probably take them 4-5 hours. Each swimmer needs a support boat to accompany him/her, do their "feeds" every 30 minutes (throw their pre-prepared protein drinks, water, food out to them on a string), periodically count their strokes, and help if they get into trouble for any reason. There were six swimmers and six boats (including a lead photographer boat and an official observation boat), but now two more swimmers want to join the event and they need to find at least one more kayaker to feed and accompany them.
I'm a support kayaker for one of the swimmers. If you would like to join the event on Sunday, please let me know asap.
Requirements:
A strong kayaker who is comfortable in ocean waves (weather doesn't look too rough for Sunday, but we'll be rounding Beavertail so this is not a simple paddle). You'll need to stay next to your swimmer, not ahead or behind, so this will take maneuvering ability. They are not allowed to touch you or your boat at any time, so the feeds will be tricky if it gets a little rough around the point.
You'll be in your yak paddling for the duration of the swim with no porta-potty, so be forewarned and figure out what you're gonna do about that . . .
You'll need an ocean-capable kayak - at least 12-14' long and preferably with at least one bulkhead.
They are meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday aiming to be in the water by 8:30), and will probably finish sometime after noon, possibly as late as 2 pm.
The weather forecast for Sunday is 75 and overcast - a perfect day to be out in the Bay. It should be a fun time - call me at 401-741-5004 if you are interested!