How to swim across the English Channel
  • 1. What is the approximate width of the English Channel at its narrowest point?
A) 50 miles
B) 10 miles
C) 21 miles
D) 30 miles
  • 2. What is the biggest challenge regarding weather conditions?
A) Perfectly still water
B) Constant high winds
C) Consistent sunshine
D) Unpredictability
  • 3. What is a common stroke used for Channel swimming?
A) Front crawl
B) Breaststroke
C) Backstroke
D) Butterfly
  • 4. What is the water temperature range typically encountered?
A) 25-30°C (77-86°F)
B) 30-35°C (86-95°F)
C) 15-18°C (59-64°F)
D) 5-10°C (41-50°F)
  • 5. What is the primary purpose of grease applied before a swim?
A) Speed
B) Buoyancy
C) Insulation
D) Sun protection
  • 6. What is the role of a pilot boat during the swim?
A) Enforcing swimming rules
B) Providing entertainment
C) Navigation and support
D) Pulling the swimmer if they get tired
  • 7. What is a typical feeding schedule during a Channel swim?
A) Every 30 minutes
B) Every 3 hours
C) Only at the halfway point
D) Every hour
  • 8. What is a common food choice during a Channel swim?
A) Salad
B) Steak
C) Pizza
D) Carbohydrate gels
  • 9. What is the name of the organization that ratifies swims?
A) Red Cross
B) Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation (CS&PF)
C) International Swimming Federation (FINA)
D) World Wildlife Fund
  • 10. What is a 'neap tide'?
A) Tide with smallest tidal range
B) A type of swimming stroke
C) Tide with largest tidal range
D) A type of seaweed
  • 11. Why is acclimatization to cold water important?
A) Makes you swim faster
B) Attracts fewer jellyfish
C) Prevents hypothermia
D) Prevents sunburn
  • 12. What is 'tidal flow'?
A) Movement of water due to tides
B) Type of swimming stroke
C) The rate at which salt dissolves in water
D) Flow of blood
  • 13. What is a typical training distance per week leading up to the swim?
A) 20-30 km
B) 50-70 km
C) 100+ km
D) 5-10 km
  • 14. What piece of equipment is generally NOT allowed during the swim?
A) Swim cap
B) Wetsuit
C) Earplugs
D) Goggles
  • 15. What is a common mental challenge during the swim?
A) Overexcitement
B) Excessive communication with the support crew
C) Lack of focus
D) Boredom
  • 16. What marine life is most commonly encountered?
A) Sharks
B) Whales
C) Polar bears
D) Jellyfish
  • 17. What is 'chafing' and how can it be prevented?
A) Sunburn; apply sunscreen
B) Skin irritation; use lubricant
C) Dehydration; drink water
D) Muscle cramps; stretch often
  • 18. What is the importance of sighting during the swim?
A) Maintaining direction
B) Waving to the support crew
C) Avoiding marine life
D) Finding food
  • 19. What is the approximate total time it takes to swim the Channel?
A) 10-16 hours
B) 24+ hours
C) 5-7 hours
D) 2-4 hours
  • 20. Which country do swimmers typically start from?
A) Spain
B) France
C) England
D) Belgium
  • 21. What is important to do immediately after completing the swim?
A) Warm up gradually
B) Eat a large, cold meal
C) Run a marathon
D) Dive back in
  • 22. What is 'land's end'?
A) A type of shark
B) A specific kind of swimming stroke
C) The starting point in England
D) The place on the coast of France where swimmers typically land
  • 23. What type of breathing is most efficient for Channel swimming?
A) Holding your breath
B) Unilateral breathing (every stroke)
C) Breathing through a snorkel
D) Bilateral breathing
  • 24. Why is it important to have a support crew?
A) Because it's a requirement
B) For safety and navigation
C) To carry your luggage
D) To provide entertainment
  • 25. What is the main reason Channel swimmers are not allowed to touch the boat?
A) Damages the boat
B) Is dangerous
C) Disturbs the marine life
D) Violates rules of the swim
  • 26. What is a potential consequence of neglecting cold water acclimatization?
A) Better suntan
B) Hypothermia
C) Increased speed
D) Attracting fewer fish
  • 27. What should a swimmer do if they encounter a strong current pushing them off course?
A) Adjust course to compensate
B) Panic and swim harder
C) Hope it changes direction
D) Give up and get on the boat
  • 28. What is the best time of year to attempt a Channel swim?
A) January to March
B) October to December
C) April to June
D) July to September
  • 29. What is the meaning of the phrase 'swimmer's shoulder'?
A) A tattoo
B) A specific swimming technique
C) Overuse injury
D) A tan line
  • 30. Besides physical fitness, what is crucial for a successful swim?
A) A lucky charm
B) Expensive equipment
C) Mental fortitude
D) Natural talent
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