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