Dan Adcock Kirsch English Channel Solo
What an epic adventure! After a false start (three days waiting in Folkestone trying not to catch a stomach bug from my brother-in-law before the swim was eventually postponed), I got the chance to swim the Straight of Dover on 4 July 2022.
The swim itself had it all. A 1:00AM start, with around 2 hours of swimming in the dark, followed by an unforgettable sunrise. Then followed a glorious day, with sunshine and turquoise, mainly calm waters (just a few jellyfish stings) a seal and all manner of sea vessels to negotiate (thanks Kevin)!
Just inside French coastal waters, with Cap Griz Nez in almost touching distance, the wind and tide picked up, pushing me along the coast, adding another 2 hours to the swim. That was definitely the hardest part, particularly as I’d been swimming for 12 hours at that point. I was very glad (and a bit emotional) to finally land the swim at Wissant, with a few cheers and bemused faces from some French families enjoying the sun!
A huge thanks to Qswim Adventure. I couldn’t have done it without their support and guidance. Karen and Dave were there every step of the way, from the training plan (Trust The Process!) which meant that I was ready for anything the Channel could (and did) throw at me, to recommending the perfect boat pilot and the advice and encouragement along the journey.
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