The English Channel

[doritotex]

I am swimming the English Channel next year. Should I learn to swim first or should I first buy a bathing suit? I want to save the new suit for the salt water! Any help would be appreciated!

Should I teach my dog to swim, or do you think he already knows how? He won't tell me, maybe I will find out when I throw him in the water.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Not enough info to comment. Are you NOBO, Calais to Dover; or SOBO, Dover to Calais? Is your swim supported or unsupported? Wet suit, speedo, or au natural? What breed is the dog? English and Shetland Sheepdogs, Irish Setters, etc are not welcome in France, and Poodles are thrown back off the cliff in Dover.

[mudhead]

"It's just swimming."

[4eyedbuzzard]

"It's just swimming."

Maybe so, but I bet against her.

[10-K]

Maildrops are going to be an issue.

[aaronthebugbuffet]

How are you going to keep your cheese dry?

[jerseydave]

waterproof matches

[Hooch]

I'm sure you'll never make it if you don't have the most expensive wetsuit and swim cap set on the market.

[BobTheBuilder]

What is the record?

[BobTheBuilder]

You better keep that dog on a leash when you come upon other swimmers, too.

[sonic]

Are you going in the water untreated or are you using a Steri pen, or other purification?

[hikerboy57]

forget goretex, too many have found it doesnt work well in the Channel.. I suggest flippers and flotation device for the dog, its not his swim its yours.dont bother with swimming lessons, you'll figure it out soon enough.try and regulate your gasping into a regular rythym. PS maps should be waterproof.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Are you going in the water untreated or are you using a Steri pen, or other purification?

I'd suggest Aqua Mega

[Old Hiker]

At least the topography looks flat.....ish.

You going to carry a gun for sharks or just a can of shark repellent?

Where will you hang your shark bag? Not to mention your hammock?

Shelter or bivy sack?

Talk about blue blazing!!!

[njordan2]

All you need is a hammock, G.I. poncho and a woobie. You'll never get wet and stay toasty warm.

[Ktaadn]

I am swimming the English Channel next year. Should I learn to swim first or should I first buy a bathing suit? I want to save the new suit for the salt water! Any help would be appreciated!

Should I teach my dog to swim, or do you think he already knows how? He won't tell me, maybe I will find out when I throw him in the water.

You are crazy for even suggesting this. You will never make it.

SYOS (Swim your own swim)

[Doc Mike]

I would assume you are going no-cook(stoveless) since fuel may be hard to find.

[hikerboy57]

after completion of your thruswim, you may find it hard to readjust to normal life as your skin begins to unwrinkle.your legs may feel wobbly for the first few months. you may miss having those chance encounters with trail angelfish."chum" has taken on a new meaning.it may be a week before you realize you're still wearing your swim goggles.You may experience an aversion to seafood for a while, as well as irritable bowel syndrome.If you should experience shortness of breath, remember to both inhale and exhale.within two months, you will begin planning to thruswim the amazon.

[Mags]

Are you following the official path or taking alternate routes? While some people view the Channel as a corridor, other people with a more lawyer-like bent may take umbrage at the idea of a corridor approach. Rumor has it they may research your swim and publish a PDF about it.

[Doc Mike]

I would assume you are going no-cook(stoveless) since fuel may be hard to find.