The 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 are likely to be encountered. These may vary from mirror-like conditions to wind forces and wave heights in excess of two metres. The water temperature is cold (15C-18C), the swim is long (shortest distance without tides is around 32km, but usually tides increase the distance as the body of water moves from side to side). It will take around 15 hours to complete.

 

 

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.  We have booked a boat and a pilot to navigate Kaise through the channel, the boat will have a number of key people on it including;

 

•  a Channel Swimming Association (CSA) official who ensures that all the rules are abided by.

•  Kaise’s coach (for support and technical swimming advice).

•  a support swimmer (who will pace Kaise for one hour every 2nd hour starting from the 2nd hour).

•  Kaise’s wife, Svetlana and one of his parents.

 

Kaise will need to plan nutrition throughout the 15 hours, usually feeding times occur once an hour for the first three hours, then every half hour afterwards. Feeding involves eating specially designed foods with high carbohydrates, sugars and nutrients.  He cannot touch or hold onto the boat or any vessel for support while he is eating, so he will have to eat while treading water.