Bit of music at the start to keep the atmosphere going. The delays at the beginning were disruptive especially for people who had plans after the event. Lots of waiting around from bag drop, to breifing to getting into the water. Sighting was abit difficult so maybe a few more taller boys or boys that stand out more. However as a first time event it was good and enjoyable and would happily recommend it to anyone or even enter it next year.

The acid test: I will be coming back next year.

It would have been helpful to have more large buoys out on the water to help spot, judge distance and keep a straighter line. This was especially on the way back down through Albert and Victoria docks when we were coming back down the wider side of the docks and had very little to spot.
And the feed stations could have been more prominent / visible.

It was compulsory to swim with a tow float which because of the vast expanse of water it really helped to spot people in the choppy water.

Event would be much improved with more sighting buoys, the feeding stations being signed 2k, 4k etc, and reinforcing in the briefing that the finish is the same as the start - it was difficult to see the finish line and therefore sighted off the Crystal building. Excellent event tho and really helpful event organisers. Thanks.

More loos please!

This is such a weather dependent event it's a tough one for a first timer. I think buoys should be included in costs like they are for Coniston. The late start meant it was a little chilly waiting but can't fault the support staff. They were fabulous. I hope it grows and I'll probably be back next year to give it another go.

So many great things - the welcome, the feed stations (lovely bars and friendly volunteers), the water quality, the friendliness of the athletes, the organiser - for taking this on and putting a great new event in the calendar.
One small point for and older swimmer - a few more buoys because long distance sight is no longer as good as it was, and a larger finishing banner!
Thanks to all involved

Well done to the raft crew who with their humour and encouragement broke the swim down into very managable pieces- which meant you head didn't! Looking forward to the barbque and pizza on next year's 4k feedind raft

A genuine swimming alternative to the London Marathon. I feel this will become an iconic event, and in future years will struggle to get a ticket.

Float tows were a big help to see where to swim
You need more much bigger buoys to see where the course and make the feeding stations more visible-i missed two of them.
Well done-great day!

I enjoyed today, it was friendly and good fun and I want to support my local NOWCA venue. Some specific feedback:

- starting 30 minutes late was annoying. Too much hanging around

- not enough buoys. Sighting was very difficult, esp at the finish - it was very hard to see where to come in

- would be good to have a shower or even a hose to rinse off wetsuits and equipment

I'd like to do it again next year, but not at that price. I hope you can find a sponsor to make it better value for money. Good luck, Jim

Keeps waiting a long time for the kayak team to be briefed, once in the water waited again. Some competitors were clearly shivering waiting to start.

Could do with more toilets.
Feeding station could be better marked up.
Would be good if there was a ramp to enter the dock as this would reduce the long wait for everybody to get in.

Perhaps a bit of music (pre-event, and on arrival) would be good. The first/last pontoon (ie 2k and 8k) was a little tricky to access for drink/food. Otherwise, the staff were great and there was a real buzz.

Layout and kayak support excellent. Thanks Rick for helping me up the ramp, i couldnt walk coming out of the water. Would have killed for something more than the energy bars at the end! Dock water pretty clean but would be good to be able to wash hands afterwards. Maybe see you next year but it was a bit far for me!