Emma France: a passion for swimming

Emma France: A Passion for Swimming

Dover Channel Training was established by Freda Streeter in 1982; then there were only a few swimmers while now there are over 300, made up of solo, relay and ‘just for fun’ swimmers.  People from different parts of the world and from all walks of life come to train for long distance swimming.  Emma France, who has swum the Channel twice, is now organiser and trainer for the group having learnt much from Freda Streeter and original members Barry and Irene Wakeham before taking over the reins from them.  In her recent presentation to members of the Rotary Club of South Foreland she gave a fascinating insight into what she does.

What came across to Rotary members was Emma’s passion for swimming and love of what she does with the diverse group of swimmers she trains.  She aims to create a community feeling based on their common purpose with swimmers supporting one another to achieve their goals.  Training usually takes place in Dover Harbour at weekends from May until September.  Swimmers’ safety must be ensured so they are counted into and out of the water and their condition is continually monitored.  They also look out for one another and help anyone in difficulty, part of the community feeling. It is in training that feeding is worked out, a vital aspect of success in long distance swimming.  From the photos and video shown it is clear that the group have great fun despite the challenges of training and the ultimate aim for many of them to conquer the Channel.

The Channel swim is 21 miles but depending on tides and in rough weather it can be much longer; it takes place in a busy shipping lane, often in the dark, with low temperatures and feeding on the move.  Such challenges need great mental strength so preparing people mentally for the conditions of long distance swimming and giving them the confidence to cope is central to Emma’s role as trainer.  As Freda Streeter once said, “Long distance swimming is 80% mental and 20% the rest.”

For more information go to: www.doverchanneltraining.com