2017 English Channel swim

Monday, July 20, 2015

North Channel swim update

I met with my boat pilot Quinton Nelson last evening and he believes conditions will improve for a swim later this week.  There has been overcast skies and rain for the past few days.  On occasion there has been some sunshine for a couple of hours.  Water temperature has been very cold....this morning water temp fluctuated between 53 and 54 degrees.   My crew and I are well prepared for the effects of hypothermia....two years ago I swam across the North Channel in 59 degree water. I started to feel the effects of hypothermia after 16 hours of swimming. With water temperature being much colder this year, we have gone to Plan B....it consist of feeds every hour instead of every 30 to 45 minutes.  After episodes of vomiting (smell of diesel causes severe nausea), I used to have a small amount of concentrated carbohydrate every 20 minutes until I felt better. That plan has changed to consuming a small amount of ginger then next stop is in one hour. To have a successful swim in very cold water temps, I need to cross the channel as quickly as I can.  Being a very slow swimmer,  making adjustments is necessary. I wish I was as speedy as some of my talented friends but I'm not.  At the age of 64, I feel that I still have very good endurance.  I hope Mother Nature provides an increase in water temp and winds pushing me to Scotland. Keeping my fingers crossed and saying lots of prayers for improved conditions.

3 comments:

SharkBait said...

Some take the high road and some take the low road...it matters not who gets there before ye! ;-) You are a rock star my dear Pat. Just keep swimmin' mermaid! <3 ya

docshock said...

Pat, we all know you will do the best that you can, in what sounds like very challenging conditions. The water temp alone is off-putting for sure! We all think you are brave and courageous and we are filled with admiration for your guts and "stick-to-it-tive-ness". You are terrific and inspire all of us. Thanks for the update.

BC Friends said...

Pat, We send you positive energy to keep Mother Nature at bay or "in the bay". You continue to be our "amazing Pat". We are praying for a safe successful swim for you. Will be looking for your next update.