Another Awe-some swim from Laporte

In recent years, the Isle of Man's Carole Laporte has taken on various endurance swims each summer.

This year, having previously completed a two-way (21 miles or 34km) swim of England’s longest lake, Windermere, Laporte opted for the longest lake in Scotland, Loch Awe, which is a one-way 24-mile (38km) swim.

To put this into context, a 10km (6.2-mile) swim is regarded as a marathon in swimming terms and the English Channel is 21 miles (34km).

These swims have been completed following channel rules: one swimming cap, one pair of goggles and one swimming suit.

Preparation is important not just for the swimmer but also for the vital support team. Steve Watt and John Speakman, two kayaking friends, ensured waterborne safety and feeding.

As it was a self-organised swim, Speakman brought two kayaks from his home in the Lake District and Watt travelled from the island.

The pair analysed the map and course of the loch beforehand and throughout the day, while Ralph Jackson monitored progress from the shore and provided support and transport for the team.

The Loch Awe course is recognised by the British Long Distance Swimming Association (BLDSA) and runs between Torran Bay at the southern end and Kilchurn Castle Pier at the northern end, officially a distance of 23.7 miles (38.1km).

The southern end was chosen for the start as the weather was typically Scottish, with plenty of rain and wind from the southwest. The water temperature was around 16 degrees, a tad cooler than anticipated.

Laporte’s swim started at 6am last Tuesday. Throughout, feeding took place every hour on the hour with carbs, electrolytes, bananas, peanut sandwiches and flapjacks.

About 90 minutes into the swim, Laporte had a moment of doubt when she got really bad cramp, despite having done much training in temperatures far lower than the present 16 degrees.

She overcame it by using a sachet of vinegar, which shocked the system enough to stop the muscle spasms. She was then able to relax into a steady pace and the feeling of doubt subsided.

The benefit of having two kayakers was that they could take turns on escort duty and occasionally managed to get ashore and stretch their legs for a few minutes, given that this was to be a long day out cramped into a kayak.

By five and a half hours, Laporte had covered 17km (10 miles) and was making good progress with the wind behind her and, thankfully, the rain had stopped.

During long swims the mind can wander, but what keeps you going is looking forward to feeding time and the opportunity to have a little exchange with the support team. Having that positive chat from the kayakers was what kept her going.

The feeds also enabled the safety escort to check on the condition of the swimmer and her ability to continue, based on demeanour and metrics such as consistent stroke rate.

During the second half, the pace dropped a little as three-foot waves developed in the loch, although this allowed the kayakers to have a bit of fun surfing at times!

Come 7.36pm, Laporte reached the finish at Kilchurn Castle Pier in a swim time of 13 hours and 36 minutes

Despite being glad to finish, Laporte was still in good shape after her 24-mile swim. Watt, who has accompanied her many times previously, commented that he was sure she could have continued considerably further, despite this being her longest continuous duration to date.

Laporte was hugely grateful to her support crew of safety escort kayakers Watt and Speakman, and shore supporter Jackson.

NIGEL HENDY