We published a story about long-time Lane Cove local Charlie Pidcock’s plan to swim the English Channel a few weeks ago. We are pleased to report that 54-year-old Charlie completed the swim in 12 hours and 21 minutes. He finished the swim on 1st July 2024. The ambient temperature was about 15 degrees. The water temperature was 15.5 degrees.
After his successful attempt, Charlie told ITC the following:
“It was a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) for 30 years, and I have done it now.
I have swum at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre for the last 25 years and have been part of the Master’s Squad with Jacob Curcio for the previous two as his training ramped up.
Upon reaching French shores, I was reminded of former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s famous words: “If you are going through hell, keep going”.
I am recovering from swimming across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. I feel like I’ve been through a mincer,” but I’m pleased to have ticked the BHAG off his bucket list.
The day before I started, I was on the beach (in England) chatting to a coach with aspiring swimmers in the water and asked for a last-minute tip. He questioned me about my training and feeding plans, which my support crew and boat skipper were, mentioned the weather forecast, and then said, “You’ve done all the hard work; just go swim it.” A sense of peace and destiny came over me, so I did.
A few days later, an Australian friend asked me if there was a moment when I knew I’d make it. It seems surreal and maybe a bit arrogant, but when I stood on the shores in front of the white cliffs of Dover, England, I was going to get to France.
It was as hard as I thought it would be, but I handled it better than I thought.
Successfully swimming the English Channel is never a one-person thing. I’ve been fortunate to have a great team with me every step of the way.
I am grateful to my crew, including long-time Lane Cove / Longueville / Riverview residents Daniel Lucas, David Turnbull, and Sean Cunial, as well as his two brothers and son.
I wanted my kids (Henry and 21-year-old Scarlet), who both went to local primary and secondary schools, to lead full lives, and I’m keen to demonstrate to them that if you set a goal and work really, really hard towards that goal, you can achieve extraordinary things.
Well done, Charlie. You did precisely as Dory said, and you just kept swimming.
Background
Charlie Pidcock and his family lived in Lane Cove for numerous years, and his children attended St Michael’s Primary School. Charlie was also the president of the St Ignatius College Old Ignatians Union.
Charlie set himself a goal, 30 years in the making – to swim the English Channel.
The English Channel swim is a legendary feat attempted by distance swimmers worldwide. The icy waters, unpredictable currents, and distance of roughly 34 kilometres make it one of open water swimming’s toughest challenges.
You can’t just show up and start swimming the channel. It takes hours and hours of practice in all different environments and is also a logistical challenge.
You must have a certified qualifying swim, a 6-hour swim in sub-16 degrees.
We asked Charlie to tell ITC about his preparations for swimming the Channel.
Why Swim the English Channel?
I have always loved swimming and, in particular, swimming in the ocean. My early years were spent near the beach, and it seemed we were always in the water.
I enjoy the refreshing nature of salt water, being in or close to nature, looking at various creatures, and the meditative state one can experience. I have been thinking about swimming in the English Channel for 30 years, preparing for 10 years and training for two years. I have spent many hours at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre and got to know the regulars and staff.
Swimming the English Channel is the holy grail of long-distance open-water swimming.
Recently, I swam in the Des Renford Pool, which just so happens to be close to where I will live for the next few months. Des Renford (1927-99) was a marathon swimmer known as the King of the Channel; he made it 19 times in 19 attempts without all the support one has these days.
I have read about him extensively over the last few months. Inspired by his pioneering efforts and courage, I can only begin to wonder what he went through.
How Much Training Have You Done?
I swim 5 km Mon – Thur and 10 – 20 km Saturday. On 1st June, I swam around 26 – 28 km. I have been training like this for two years.
It has not always been smooth sailing. At one session, a blue bottle wrapped itself around my arm, which would have freaked me out when I was a kid….. or even a few years ago, but now I am just rolling with it.
How Do You Schedule an English Channel Swim?
You become a member of the Channel Swimming Association (CSA). They provide resources, rules, and a list of approved escort pilots crucial for navigation and safety.
The CSA has strict regulations on swimwear. Only a one-piece swimsuit, goggles, and a swim cap are allowed. Wetsuits or buoyancy aids are forbidden.
You then apply to one of the ten accredited CSA boats.
An escort pilot with a CSA license will guide you throughout the swim, planning the route to minimize currents and tides.
You then keep your fingers crossed. There was a significant backlog after COVID-19, and in the last 20 years, there has been a massive growth in the number of ocean swimmers. If you are considering swimming in the English Channel, booking them well in advance (2-3 years) is advisable.
A thorough medical examination is mandatory to ensure you’re in peak physical condition to handle the long swim and cold water.
I will attempt my English Channel Swimming attempt in two weeks. But many things can happen, and I hope the weather conditions will work in my favour.
How Long Will It Take to Swim the English Channel?
My Goal time is between 12 hr and 16 hours; as someone said, swim until you run out of water.
What is One of the Most Important Factors in Scheduling the Swim?
You need a support crew. They have to train with you, so it is a big commitment on their part as well.
They will give me regular feeds throughout the swim to maintain energy levels. These feeds typically consist of high-carb, quickly digestible fluids or gels.
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