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