Coaching a Swim Across the English Channel

/

For the past two years, I’ve had the honor of coaching my uncle, Tom Bell, as he prepares for one of the toughest open water challenges: swimming across the English Channel. This achievement is not just another race — it’s a milestone that demands both physical endurance and mental resilience.

English Channel swim map

Preparing for the English Channel – Tom’s Journey to the Triple Crown

Tom’s ultimate goal is the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming:

  1. The English Channel (England to France)

  2. The Catalina Channel (California)

  3. The Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (New York City)

Fewer than 100 people worldwide have completed this incredible trio.

Tom’s Training Regimen

At 44 years old, Tom exemplifies consistency and discipline. He swims six days per week, logging over two hours per session and averaging 35 km weekly. But mileage alone won’t prepare an athlete for the Channel. His plan includes:

Strength and Conditioning

Twice-weekly strength sessions build the power needed for a 12-hour endurance swim. These workouts ensure his body can withstand the demands of long-distance, cold-water swimming.

VO2 Max Testing

VO2 Max Testing

Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity

Tom has improved his VO₂ Max (a key marker of aerobic fitness) and fine-tuned his anaerobic threshold. This allows him to handle rapidly changing tides and currents, a defining challenge of the English Channel swim.

Alt Text: Swimmer training for the English Channel focusing on endurance and VO₂ Max development

Technique and Efficiency

Through countless drills, assessed with the Functional Movement Screen, Tom has refined his mechanics. Every stroke is now stronger, more efficient, and less draining — critical when covering 36 km at the Channel’s narrowest point.

Tampa Bay Marathon Swim

Tampa Bay Marathon Swim

Nutrition Strategy

Fueling properly can make or break a swim of this length. Tom has tested and adapted his nutrition plan during long practice sessions, ensuring he can sustain energy for 10–14 hours.

Want to understand the science of cold water preparation? Read my Cold Water Swim Acclimatization Guide.

Competitive Milestones Leading to the English Channel

Swimmers tackling the challenging 2+ hour Little Red Lighthouse Swim up the Hudson River

Before taking on the Channel, Tom gained valuable experience in major open water events:

  • Little Red Lighthouse Hudson 10K – A 2+ hour river swim in New York City, battling currents under the George Washington Bridge.
    Alt Text: Swimmers tackling the challenging Hudson River in the Little Red Lighthouse 10K

  • Tampa Bay Marathon Swim (24 miles) – A test of resilience against unpredictable Florida waters.

  • Catalina Channel Swim (22 miles) – His most significant swim so far, marking his first step toward the Triple Crown.

Tampa Bay Marathon swim


Each of these races has sharpened his mental toughness and physical readiness.

The Legacy of the English Channel

The English Channel’s history dates back to 1875, when Captain Matthew Webb became the first to cross from Dover, England, to Calais, France. His swim took 21 hours and 45 minutes over 19 nautical miles.

Since then, fewer than 1,500 swimmers have succeeded. The success rate is about 50%, similar to climbing Mount Everest.

Captain Matthew Webb – the first person to swim across the English Channel in 1875

How Far Is the English Channel Swim?

At its narrowest, the English Channel swim length is about 21 miles (34 km / 19 nautical miles). However, swimmers rarely move in a straight line due to tides. Most end up swimming 35–40 km before reaching France.

That’s the equivalent of running a marathon — in 50–60°F (10–15°C) water, without a wetsuit, and while dodging waves and shipping traffic.

Curious about the planning side? Check out my guide: How to Swim the English Channel: Researching and Scheduling Your First Attempt.

What Makes Swimming the English Channel So Hard?

Several factors combine to make this one of the most demanding swims in the world:

  • Unpredictable Conditions – Tides change every six hours, constantly altering the swimmer’s course.

  • Cold Temperatures – Even in summer, water hovers in the mid-50s °F (12–15°C).

  • Strict Rules – Swimmers may only wear a Speedo, cap, and goggles. Wetsuits are not allowed.

  • Busy Shipping Lanes – With over 800 vessels crossing daily, pilot boats play a vital safety role.

Tom’s Upcoming Challenge

This September, Tom will wade into the waters off Dover for his attempt at the English Channel swim. With a licensed pilot, myself as coach, and a support crew of three, every detail — from pacing to feeding — will matter.

Covering 36 km in 12+ hours is a monumental challenge, but Tom is ready.

Supporting a Greater Cause

Tom is dedicating his swim to the I AM ABLE Foundation, which empowers disabled individuals through fitness opportunities. By raising funds and awareness, he hopes to inspire others to push beyond perceived limits.

Support the cause here: I AM ABLE Foundation

Can You Swim the English Channel?

Swimming across the English Channel is possible for dedicated athletes, but it requires:

If you’re inspired by Tom’s journey and considering your own, start with a structured training plan. My Programs for Competitive Swimmers are designed to help athletes build endurance, efficiency, and confidence for challenges like this.

The English Channel remains the ultimate test in open water swimming — a blend of history, endurance, and sheer determination. Tom’s journey proves that with expert coaching, perseverance, and the right support team, even the toughest goals are within reach.