Update: Vicky will be swimming the Channel on Friday 7 August. The team will begin the challenge at 1.30am, leaving from Samphire Hoe beach. You can follow Vicky’s attempt by visiting the Channel Swimming Associations live tracking website, Vicky’s boat is called Masterpiece.
During Lockdown, Vicky Annis Head of Physiotherapy at Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic took the opportunity to join a four person relay team to attempt to swim the English Channel on Friday 7 August 2020.
Here’s Vicky’s story about preparing herself for a trek of a lifetime:
Most of my swimming preparation has been completed at Tankerton and Kingsdown with support from friends and family swimming with me and kayaking. It has been a welcomed distraction from the difficulties in the world and every time you get to the shore, there are slightly different conditions which has made it so much fun; whether it is a calm day or windy with the waves and tide to contend with.
The reason the window was originally from the 8 to the 16 August is so that the pilot can choose the best conditions. We may be predominantly swimming at night, which is a beautiful time to swim, or during the day. Nature keeps it unpredictable!
The English Channel is such a remarkable waterway with so many historical events and tales. Living in Kent, and having always been a swimmer, this challenge was one not to miss!
The Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic has been raising funds for the NHS Charities with free initial online consultations and I wanted to also choose this charity for this relay channel attempt. Please feel free to kindly donate via our link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kent-sport-physio-consultations.