Bryan Tate

How many people have been there before you?

The English Channel is a unique and demanding swim, considered by many to be the ultimate long distance challenge. Known as "The Everest of open water swimming", it is said that more people have climbed Mount Everest than have successfully swum the channel. (approx. 5,078 ascents). In the last 136 years there have only been 1616 successful solo attempts. Tough going with a low success rate.

Why is it such a big challenge?

As the crow flies, the shortest swim distance is about 20 miles (32km or 1300 lengths of your local pool). However add to this tides, currents and the fact you can't swim in a straight line and the distance is closer to 25-30 miles (40-48km, 1600-2000 pool lengths). Further challenges include changing conditions from idyllic flat seas to gale force winds; waves of up to 3 metres; water temperatures ranging from 15C to 18C and the fact that part of the swim takes place in the dark.

How do you avoid th... more

How many people have been there before you?

The English Channel is a unique and demanding swim, considered by many to be the ultimate long distance challenge. Known as "The Everest of open water swimming", it is said that more people have climbed Mount Everest than have successfully swum the channel. (approx. 5,078 ascents). In the last 136 years there have only been 1616 successful solo attempts. Tough going with a low success rate.

Why is it such a big challenge?

As the crow flies, the shortest swim distance is about 20 miles (32km or 1300 lengths of your local pool). However add to this tides, currents and the fact you can't swim in a straight line and the distance is closer to 25-30 miles (40-48km, 1600-2000 pool lengths). Further challenges include changing conditions from idyllic flat seas to gale force winds; waves of up to 3 metres; water temperatures ranging from 15C to 18C and the fact that part of the swim takes place in the dark.

How do you avoid the sea traffic?

In addition to overcoming the physical and mental challenges, other things to avoid are the 600 ships and 80 ferries that use the Dover Straights every day. Our route takes us across the shipping lanes (at 90° to the traffic) and it is the pilot's job to stay out of the path of commercial vessels.

What about the tides?

Tides are strong and change direction approximately every 6 hours. Tides can flow at up to 4 nautical miles per hour, so if you are not in France before the tide change you will be pushed back by the tide and spend at least another 4 hours swimming.

Can you wear any protective clothing?

The Channel Crossing Association dictates that you are not allowed to wear any thermal protection or flotation devices so that's just a pair of Speedos and a set of goggles!

Put all these things together, the mental stress, the physical challenge, the cold, the jelly fish and dark waters then you have one of the world?s hardest swims -- "The Everest of open water swimming".