I am wondering about the volumes of gear; food items, clothing, etc. necessary to be provided for swimmer and crew - I have seen videos of swimmers on the dock with several plastic bins of equipment, and have read long lists from professional sources of necessities, plus a list of my own which I am generating. How much of these can be purchased in Dover? I am beginning to think that I need to ship a crate to my innkeepers in advance of some of the larger bulkier items - of clothing, or blankets, etc - advice from members will be appreciated!
Short answer is not a lot without some planning. Emma France will sell you Maxim at a good price if you email her and order it from her in time & collect it from her at Swimmer's beach on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Otherwise you probably won't find it in Dover, Folkestone or Canterbury.
Channel grease is available at Varne Ridge Park in Capel le Ferne, half way between Dover & Folkestone. It used to be available in Boots in Dover but no longer. If you are staying in Varne Ridge, David & Evelyn have almost everything (non-consumable) that you need, blankets, feed poles and reels, whiteboards, flasks. Electronic lights can be bought from Michelle also on the beach at weekends. I have no idea if Peter in Hubert House provides anything.
Thanks Loneswimmer. I will be staying at Varne Ridge so I am glad to know that some of the feeding apparatus and other items will be available there - I will contact them directly as well about this - quite a bit of gear and it will be helpful to have advice on organizing it all.
