Public Project
Swimming the Channel
On the 17thJuly this year (2024), under a cloudless sunrise he struck out from Shakespeare Beach near Dover heading to Cap Gris-Nez just over 21 miles away. Years of training and preparation finally coming to a head.
Channel swimming has evolved and grown enormously since the first crossing in 1875 and has increased in popularity to the point where a potential swimmer might need to wait 2 years for a ‘slot’ to attempt the crossing solo. The history of cross channel swimming single-handedly created the modern sport of endurance swimming. It’s the original challenge and no one is considered a marathon swimmer without the title ‘Channel Swimmer’.
Daryl had certainly picked the perfect day for it (not that he had very much choice) the sea was calm, only the slightest breeze and the currents were predicted to be minimal. Under the watchful eye of legendary channel swimmer Kevin Murphy (who has completed 34 crossings) and his swimming partner Brian Alborough, he set off at a good pace just as he had trained.
The crossing is perilous, many don’t complete the swim and 11 people to date have died in the attempts. Apart from the cold and sometimes the sun, there is the discomfort of chaffing, cramps, adverse tides, jelly fish, wind, rain and occasionally huge waves… All whilst crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world.
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