How Hard Is The English Channel Swim? English Channel FAQ!

What is the distance of an English Channel Swim?

The English Channel Swim from Shakespeare's Cliff or Samphire Hoe in England to Cap Gris-Nez in France is approximately 21 miles or 32 kilometers. Due to currents, winds and other factors, swimmers should anticipate and train to swim significantly more miles.

What is the route of an English Channel Swim?

Most English Channel swims will start at either Shakespeare's Cliff or Samphire Hoe in England between Folkstone and Dover. They will then swim across the Straight Of Dover and will shoot to aim for Cap Gris-Nez in France! The end point can change depending on the conditions and the swimmer’s speed but the target and shortest distance is 21 miles from Shakespeare's Cliff or Samphire Hoe to Cap Gris-Nez. Any other ending point will be more than the 21 miles.

How long does it take to swim the English Channel?

It can take between 7 hours and 27 hours or more. The time it takes to swim is dependent upon the speed of the swimmer and the channel conditions on the day of the swim.

Are there sharks in the English Channel?

The short answer is yes there are sharks…but there hasn’t been an unprovoked shark attack since 1971! There are actually 21 known species of sharks in the Channel, which include porbeagles, blue sharks, thresher sharks, shortfin makos, and oceanic whitetips but no Great Whites! There are lots and lots of jellyfish, so if you plan to attempt a swim just accept that you will get stung at least a few times!

How cold is it for an English Channel swim?

During the swim season, which is roughly July to September, the water temperature ranges from 14 to 18 degrees Celsius or 57 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do you qualify for an English Channel swim?

Both the Channel Swimming Association and the CS & PF have their own processes, so if you are serious about attempting a swim please check out their sites. The process for each is fairly similar.

Steps:

1. Research the tides and weather patterns for a few date ranges you would like to swim in that are 2 to 3 years away. Your best chance for success is on neap tides but if you are a strong swimmer, then a sprint tide will be doable just a slightly longer day.

2. Find a CSA or CS&PF sanctioned boat pilot and contact them directly about the dates you are interested in. You will need to book 2 to 3 years in advanced, so start now so you can get a position 1 or position 2 slot!

3. Train, Train and Train some more. Spend time on speed, technique but more importantly swim in water that is colder than 60F as much as possible, swim in salty water and swim in all types of conditions! If you need help with training, we specialize in marathon swims and we are also a CSA Approved English Channel Coach.

4. Register your swim with the CSA or CS&PF, pay your fees and get your medical examination done.

5. Complete a 6 hour qualifying swim in water that is 60F or less within 12 months of your English Channel swim window.

6. Arrange accommodations. I would recommend doing this fairly early on as all the good hotels and AirBnBs are booked up fast. It is also easiest to stay in the town where your pilot will launch from which is either Dover or Folkstone.

7. Contact the CSA or CS&PF and your pilot to let them know when you arrive. You will meet with your boat pilot to discuss logistics and which days in your window you might swim.

8. Swim to France!

How much will swimming the English Channel cost?

If you don’t include travel, lodging and coaching expenses the CSA or CS&PF registration fee is about $450 and then the cost for the pilot boat is about $4,400. Both of those fees are the average for 2020 so depending on when you are reading this, they could be even higher. You are looking at around $5000 for the swim alone then you need to add in travel fees, lodging, equipment and coaching. Start saving up!

Are support swimmers allowed?

Yes support swimmers are allowed but they must follow very specific rules. Support swimmers can only get in the water when given permission from the boat pilot. The solo swimmer must swim for 2 hours and then the support swimmer can enter the water. The support swimmer can swim with the solo swimmer for an hour and then must exit the water for an hour. Support swimmers are allowed to wear wetsuits or swimming equipment that will help keep them warm and keep them swimming at the same pace as the solo swimmer.