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