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