What is special about the Channel?
English Channel is a unique and demanding swim, considered by many to be the ultimate long distance challenge. It isn't just the distance that is the challenge, but more, the variable conditions that you are likely to encounter. These may vary for mirror like conditions to wind force 6 and wave heights in excess of 2 metres. The water is cold and you are strongly advised to acclimatize to it, there is a good chance of meeting jellyfish, seaweed and the occasional plank of wood. It is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with 600 tankers passing through and 200 ferries/seacats and other vessels going across daily.
Shortest distance is 21 miles - but on either side of Cap Gris Nez, the French Coastline drops away, so, if you do not reach land at the Cap you have further to go to make landfall. You will swim across the channel for 21 miles (or more) BUT the current moves you many miles from side to side as the Tide ebbs and flows. Recently, i read that someone swum over 60km...
14 to 18 degrees Celsius
Some answers to frequently Asked Questions are listed below:
How is it that some people have had to swim for many more miles than 21 miles?
Shortest distance is 21 miles - but on either side of Cap Gris Nez, the French Coastline drops away, so, if you do not reach land at the Cap you have further to go to make landfall. You will swim across the channel for 21 miles (or more) BUT the current moves you many miles from side to side as the Tide ebbs and flows. You may deduce from this that unless a miracle happens and there is no Tide (!!) on your Swim day(it does happen occasionally) the only way you could cross the Channel in a straight line would be if you could counteract the effect of the Tide by swimming against it. But this would be a waste of valuable energy, you will get tired - the Tide will not!
How long is it likely to take?
Once you can provide a realistic report of your sustainable Swim-speed in cold, open water - then you, your Trainer and your Pilot will be ready to relate this information to the conditions you might expect to meet in the Channel! The fastest swim is a little over 7 hours and the slowest nearly 27 hours. I am expecting 13 - 18 hrs but that really is an guestimate..
Where do Channel Swims take place?
Swims usually start at or near Shakespeare's Cliff or Samphire Hoe (in between Folkestone and Dover), and aim to finish at or near Cap Gris Nez (between Boulogne and Calais). Nowadays Swims are from England to France (and back again, if you have the energy!). When the Swim has finished, your Pilot will bring you back to England.
What about Feeding, during the Swim?
You are advised to try out several different ways of taking refreshment from a helper (Seamus, Dad, Bernard!)- by cup .. by bottle/squeeze-pack etc. .. handed directly to you (without direct contact!) ..from a feeding-pole and cup .. by bottle on a line etc.,so that you are prepared for most eventualities.
Do I need to use Grease?
Most Swimmers use Grease. Some cover themselves liberally to keep out the cold as much as possible ... others just apply Grease to the 'rubbing' areas (neck/shoulders, arm-pits, groin, etc). Grease ('Channel Swimmer's Grease') is now very difficult to obtain locally and you should experiment to find out what is most suitable for you and be prepared to make up your own blend. We know of one supplier, for further information contact - David Frantzeskou at: vrcp@varne-ridge.freeserve.co.uk
Are all Swims done in daylight?
You should be prepared to swim in twilight, (or in the dark) for part of your swim. Some Swimmers will swim on a Night Tide. Bring (or arrange) a supply of 'Light-Sticks', we recommend at least 3, for further information, refer to the CSA web site/Regalia/Light sticks and devise a suitable method of attachment to your costume. Large nappy pins are useful.
