Whilst our group works by all of us helping out on a volunteer rota, some key names are shown below.....
Emma France
Emma France
My love affair with the channel started in 2005 when I was part of an impromptu channel relay. It was the most amazing experience and left me wanting more. I went on to attempt the channel in 2007 but didn’t make it, I wasn’t deterred though and was successful in 2009. I know and understand both success and failure. As many will know, I have had many battles with training, so if the mental side of it is tough for you, I will be able to understand and hopefully help. I now have a number of successful swims to my name, including:
7 x 6 person English Channel Relay
3 x 5 person English Channel Relay
3 x 4 person English Channel Relay
3 x 3 person English Channel Relay
1 x 2-way 3 person English Channel Relay
3 x English Channel Solo
Round Jersey Solo
Jersey to France Solo
Lake Zurich Solo
Pod Leaders
From 2021 we are introducing Pods. We are blessed with such a large group that it is possible for the shy or quiet swimmer to become lost in the noise. It’s important that everyone feels able to be heard and have their questions answered at the weekend. Each swimmer that signs up for a monthly or seasonal training subscription will be invited to join one or more pods.
Relay
Stepping up
Solo
You’ll find your pod leaders in the WhatsApp groups and there’ll always be at least one on the beach at weekends. Your pod leaders are also swimmers, so you may find them in the water too!
Here are your pod leaders…..
Emma France
With experience spanning solo and relay adventures, Emma has been where you are.
Emma’s qualifications and experience include:
Swim England L2 Swimming Teacher
Swim England L2 Swimming Coach
STA L2 Open Water Coach
RLSS Beach Lifeguard
Master Practitioner of NLP
Trainer of hypnosis
Emma’s swimming adventures include:
3 x English Channel solos
20 x English Channel relays
Jersey to France Solo
Round Jersey Solo
Lake Zurich solo
Windermere solo
SCAR
Mandi Bodemeaid
Mandi spent most weekends supporting swimmers in 2017 and 2018 having previously trained with the group for her 3 person relay. She has subsequently completed another couple of relays. She brings an undeniable element of fun with her and knows how to help you get the most out of your training sessions.
Watch out for Mandi minutes!!
Dirk Gewert
Dirk has completed numerous English channel relays and an English Channel solo.
Dirk has a special interest in channel relays and has helped many a team prepare for this very special adventure. He’s there to answer your questions, big or small.
Volunteer beach crew
Our training offering is reliant on volunteer beach crew. If each person helps out just once the year after their big swim (you are of course welcome to help as much as you like!!), then we can share the load and pay back the support given to us.
I also find that friends, partners, family etc enjoy being part of your preparations and are also always welcome as beach crew.
Please consider signing up to our volunteer rota. In return for helping out, you get a whole different perspective on training and a nice warm glow that you helped someone achieve their big goal.
Welfare Officer
Vikki Chester is our Welfare Officer. The Welfare Officer is essential in providing a first point of contact for swimmers (adults or juniors), parents / family, volunteers and staff who are associated with Dover Channel Training (DCT) and who have a safeguarding or welfare concern.
Vikki has heaps of relevant professional experience. If you need assistance or wish to speak to someone in confidence, you can have confidence that Vikki will be there and will act in accordance with best practice.