ABOUT THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
Please revisit this page after August 2027 to find out how I got on. 🙏
SIX REASONS...
Why the English Channel is considered one of the most difficult and dangerous swims in the world:
1. Tidal: Instead of the straight 21 miles, swimmers can expect to swim anything from 25-35 miles due to tides.
2. Cold: Temperatures typically range from 14-18°C during swim season (June-September). As a comparison, swimming pools are typically set to 26-28°, and the average bath at home is 37-39°. & earplugs. That’s it!
3. Busiest shipping lane in the world: In addition to 500-600 tankers, cargo ships & ferries per day, the separation zone between English & French waters is full of marine debris, which can include planks of wood, lost cargo (even a fridge has been seen floating), sheets of plastic, litter & dense seaweed.
4. No neoprene or other thermal/buoyancy aids are permitted: Not even for medical or religious reasons. The only authorised clothing is a standard (legless/sleeveless) swimsuit, swim hat, goggles, nose clip & earplugs. That’s it!
5. Jellyfish: The more colourful, the bigger the sting. Most are white moon jellyfish which feel like nettle stings. They are younger in June/July so stings are less intense, and more mature by September (ouch!).
6. The swim: Training is long & challenging (usually 2 or more years); the swim is gruelling, the cold is unforgiving, the sea can be choppy, and the hours offer tedious repetition, boredom and mind tricks, all of which requires stamina, strength, endurance and mental toughness.