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The 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 , 2019, 2022 & 2023 HITtheWALL open water swimming training was AMAZING
for you and for us. Thank you all for coming from all over the world to our playground.
HITtheWALL ENDURANCE TRAINING
WHAT IS HITtheWALL?
Is a four days training weekend for all abilities from the open water beginners to channel and marathon swimmers. You can take what you want from HITtheWALL. As a beginner you will gain confidence in a safe controlled environment. As a more advanced swimmer HITtheWALL will push you physical and mentally.
Open water swimming is not only about physical ability, that’s why at the HITtheWALL weekend we also look in more detail at the participants mental ability. The HITtheWALL experienced crew will pull you through the darkest moments of these amazing adventures in the water.
“Beginner to advanced at HITtheWALL weekend we will take you to your limits and then look for more, when you think you have none left, Come join us as life begins outside your comfort zone.” Padraig Mallon Event Director
The crew at infinity channel swimming are ready to challenge you as much as you are ready to be challenged.
**All swimming venues and start positions are weather wind and tidal dependent and may change up to one hour prior to the swim start. We will update regularly via email and the infinity channel swimming facebook page.**
Adventure lights may be worn.
Chillswims / flotation device essential
If the lead swimmers within your group are too far ahead of the main pack they will be asked by the boat or kayak crew to turn and swim to the back of the group and continue swimming on course.
The infinity channel swimming team are a friendly bunch of professionally trained and experienced people. Open water swimming is a FUN experience. We like to have FUN in, on and around the water as much as everyone else. To this end we do not cut any corners and operate a ZERO TOLERANCE policy in regard to safety. If you are asked to exit the water we are asking for good reason which you may not appreciate at the time and will later value the decision.
TIMES:
Start time means toes in water. Suited and greased ready to go. If you are late you do not swim as rescue cover is supplied to suit a group start time. If you enter the water after the group start you are doing so at your own risk.
Please be on time – all swims will start punctually. Check the plan for the next day as swim start times and location / detail may change depending on weather conditions.
FOOD:
If you require your feed at 30 minute intervals we advise you to purchase an infinity hydration float – this is a safety buoy and hydration storage all in one.
You Tube
I'm ready for it all will you be ?
www.infinitychannelswimming.com
2015 HITtheWALL
HITtheWALL ENDURANCE TRAINING
WHAT IS HITtheWALL?
Masterminded by open water swimmers for open water swimmers of all abilities.
HITtheWALL offers:
Confidence building in a safe controlled environment.
The chance to kick start the season in advance of your competitor giving you the tools to take your swimming from the pool to the outdoors sooner resulting in a huge advantage on race day.
The means to map out your limits and find solutions to comfortably stay on them without crossing that fine line but knowing where that fine line is.
Gaining knowledge to train smarter, stay mentally and physically strong and injury free in the lead up to your challenge.
Life begins where the comfort zone ends.
TESTIMONIALS:
HITtheWALL pushed me to my limits – I was a newish swimmer. I faced some of the best swim conditions and more importantly I swam in water that I didn’t believe it was possible to swim in. I learned so much. My swimming endurance and skills soared. It gave me the confidence and ability to cope with tougher swim conditions during the season. During competition in the race season, I could see more experienced swimmers panic under the pressure of rough water as I was swimming. Without a doubt this one training weekend added what would have taken me years to achieve.
From GERARD ENGLISH from learning how to swim to Olympic and 5k open water swims all in the space of a year and all with the sparkle of the CLWF lake ethos ‘If its not fun I’m not playing’
Unbelievable – it brought me to my limits safely. I was being constantly assessed during the weekend. I was asked did I want to get out and I fought with the truth. I knew I was there, I was done but failed to admit it. The crew observed me closely, I was told Stu, we’re taking you out. My swim stroke had deteriorated but in my head I was still swimming strong. I knew it was the right and safe decision. This reignited the passion I had for swimming and throughout the season I achieved many goals in open water that I had doubts on ever completing.
From STUART HINDE accomplished open water swimmer and ice miler.
In watching the progress and determination of the HITtheWALL participants it is clear to see that physical ability is 50% of channel and long distance swimming and in fact when looked at in more detail it is this mental ability with the perfect crew that will pull you through the darkest moments of these amazing adventures in the water.
PADRAIG MALLON event director.
AIMS of HITtheWALL:
LIMITS / LEARNING / PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT / DISTANCE SWIMS / WATER TEMPERATURE ACCLAIMATISATION / CONFIDENCE BUILDING/ LIKE MINDED PEOPLE / OPEN WATER / TEAM WORK / CREW DEVELOPMENT / TECHNIQUE /
GENERAL NOTES FOR ALL SWIMS:
The infinity channel swimming team are a friendly bunch of professionally trained and experienced people. Open water swimming is a FUN experience. We like to have FUN in, on and around the water as much as everyone else. To this end we do not cut any corners and operate a ZERO TOLERANCE policy in regard to safety. If you are asked to exit the water we are asking for good reason which you may not appreciate at the time and will later value the decision.
TIMES:
Start time means toes in water. Suited and greased ready to go. If you are late you do not swim as rescue cover is supplied to suit a group start time. If you enter the water after the group start you are doing so at your own risk.
Please be on time – all swims will start punctually. Check the plan for the next day as swim start times and location / detail may change depending on weather conditions.
FOOD:
CLOTHING:
Togs, clear goggles, bright swim cap (no black or dark swim caps will be allowed), grease / food / fluids / nutritional supplementation, warm clothes and warm drinks for after, a crew member to support you throughout the weekend if available.
Chill swim bags are compulsory unless advised otherwise by the event safety officer at each swim. Chill swim bags are great safety tool. A flotation device is essential for all swims through out the HITtheWALL weekend. If you don’t have one and would like one we will be stocking them for sale on the day. They are also available for pre purchase at: https://infinitychannelswimming.com/product/1275/
For the 6 hour swim: Dry bag containing warm drink / dryrobe or fleece / blanket / hat / socks / gloves (may be able to be left on the boat during your swim should you HITtheWALL and need to get out). Another kit bag with a similar content is essential on shore.
A glow stick / adventure light is essential – secured by your goggles strap.
An adventure light if you have one for the night swim. https://infinitychannelswimming.com/product/infinity-adventure-lights-guardian-expedition/
Glow sticks will be provided free of charge.
Infinity channel swimming swim cap will be provided free of charge.
For meditation and body balance: Wear comfortable loose fitting warm clothing / shorts t-shirt are ok and bring a drink and a towel.
8, 6, 4, 2, HOUR SWIM and HOUR SWIM QUALIFICATION:
Any swimmer looking to make the 2,4,6 and 8 hour swim qualification will be required to meet the channel swimming rules: one swim suit (not made of latex material) no further than the knee and not passing the shoulders, one silicone or latex swim cap, one pair of goggles. We would ask if you have an adventure light to wear it also
Lanolin / Vaseline is permitted.
Clear goggles are advisable for the night swim.
Remember these are like ‘North Channel’ waters and will give you an experiences of one of the toughest channel swim in the world.
RISKS:
You will be asked to sign a waiver.
At your own risk you will be potentially exposed to Hypothermia, jellyfish, water currents, weather changes and you are taking part in an event with numerous participants. Like all sporting events we advise your own personal insurance. The event is insured but has limited liabilities as far as the law permits.
LIMITS:
You are your own judge you will know when you have enough but then you can give us some more.
Any swimmer unable to follow the advice of the safety team will be asked to retire from the swim eg: If you persist in swimming off course, Your stroke rates drops significantly, you have signs of hypothermia including slurred speech / dilated pupils, you are inadequately prepared for your swim.
TRANSPORTATION:
Some swims may require you to drive to them so a sat nav/smart phone is important if you don’t know the area as we may need to drive for up to 40 minutes if venues are changed due to weather. We advise car pooling so vehicles can be left at the start venue and collected later.
JELLYFISH:
They do sting – keep swimming – If assistance is required the support boat will come to your aid (Jellyfish are very unlikely this time of year).
MEDICAL:
Please make Infinity Channel Swimming aware of any health conditions / allergies you may have.
This is an intense weekend – do not take on this challenge if you are not in good health.
ACCOMMODATION:
Most swims will be based around or near Carlingford Lough where we will travel to where we find the best conditions. Ideally we will be based around Carlingford village but may need to travel up to 40 minutes by car if weather is not favorable. Carlingford village, Carlingford may be booked up or too expensive so we recommend you look anywhere from Newry to Dundalk.
Accommodation websites to consider:
Airbnb.com
Hostelworld.com
Booking.com
Carlingford.ie
QUESTIONS?
Infinity crew members are available all weekend to answer your queries please feel free to consult the crew on any learning you may need.
INSURANCE:
We advise that you should have your own private medical insurance that includes open water swimming.
COST
Weekend fee: depending on the dates you want to take part in, PAYABLE online only.
Personal expenses: food / fuel costs to venues / accommodation
VENUES:
Take a Look at Carlingford
Granvue Hotel
Station Rd, Omeath, Co. Louth, Ireland
Phone:+353 42 937 5109
https://goo.gl/maps/7va9hpbmyiH2
Facilities available
Food and refreshments available
WC
Carlingford South Pier
2 Ghan Rd, Co. Louth, Ireland
https://goo.gl/maps/fFS3o9994ku
Facilities available
Food and refreshments
WC
Shower
Changing rooms
Possible Venue
Giles Quay, Co. Louth, Ireland
https://goo.gl/maps/XEK4xg3txpA2
Facilities available
None
Omeath
4 Shore Rd, Co. Louth, Ireland
https://goo.gl/maps/73LmE8C2bRp
Coordinates 54.088926, -6.256989
Facilities available
None
Narrow Water Castle Omeath side
Close to Ferryhill Road, Omeath, Co. Louth, Ireland
https://goo.gl/maps/WHpj4P5FdER2
Coordinates 54.110871, -6.282834
Facilities available
None
WHERE TO EAT?
McAteers food hall. $$
Good food opens early vast menu and selection of teas foods and dessert.
PJ O’Hares $$$
traditional Irish pub with good food. Speciality Guinness oysters and wheaten bread.
MaGee’s bistro - specialising in seafood and steak a little more costly but well worth it. $$$$
http://www.mageesbistro.com
Wildwood cafe $$
organic quality food healthier options fantastic tastes - a short walk up the hill with spectacular views.
Café Carlingford – Wildwood Café and Restaurant a great place to eat!
McKevitts hotel $$
wholesome good food
Carlingford Arms $$
wholesome good food.
Kingfisher Bistro $$$
Qulaity dining, extensive menu
http://www.kingfisherbistro.com
Ghan House $$$$$
five star dining
http://www.ghanhouse.com
Ruby Ellen's tea rooms. $$
Tea coffee and yummy cakes -just like at your granny's house :)
http://rubyellens.com/index.php/en/carlingford-restaurant-tea-rooms
Dan’s Stone Wall Coffee house $
located next to PJ O’Hares – staff with the biggest smile and the best coffee.
TRAVEL A BIT ?
Fitzpatricks bar and Resturant $$$$
About 16k from Carlingford traditional Irish restaurant really good food
Strandfield $$$
About 23k away by car towards Dundalk beautiful surroundings and fresh produce. No meat on the menu excellent food service and hospitality.
https://strandfieldhousedotcom.wordpress.com/the-cafe/
The Granvue Hotel $$
Wholesome traditional food
http://granvue.ie
Also: other links for recommended food outlets:
http://carlingfordandmourne.com/carlingford/where-to-eat
LINKS
HITtheWALL Event page on facebook
https://infinitychannelswimming.com/?page_id=301
Website
www.infinitychannelcrossings.com
Twitter:
infinitychanne3
email:
infinitychannelcrossings@gmail.com
COMPLAINTS:
Should you wish to vent your complaints we have a contact number for Granny M age 86 hard of hearing and extreeeeeeeeemly grumpy! Her motto: if you can’t handle it – get out of the water and let me swim!
Otherwise positive and constructive comments to:
Pádraig 00447879413131
#glorycomesfromdaringtobegin
infinitychannelcrossings@gmail.com
infinitychannelcrossings@gmail.com
