Channel Swim Preparation 2026–2027

Get Ready for the Swim of a Lifetime

For all Australian swimmers who have already booked their Channel Swim for 2026 or 2027 — congratulations! Now is the perfect time to start preparing for what might be the longest and most rewarding swim of your life.

We are incredibly lucky here in Australia. Our country offers an abundance of swimming pools and open-water locations — from peaceful lakes and rivers to our stunning coastline and harbours. Even better, we can train in different water temperatures throughout the year, giving us a huge advantage when it comes to cold-water preparation. What a gift from this beautiful country!

Let’s make a smart plan for your Channel Swim preparation — covering distance, intensity, and consistency throughout your swim journey so that when the big day comes, you’re ready both physically and mentally.

🏊‍♀️ Setting Small Goals

Small goals are the key to big success. Every milestone you set helps you test your readiness and discover which parts of your preparation need more attention.

Each swimmer’s challenges are different — for some, it might be nutrition, for others, swimming in rough seas, fitness endurance, or mental resilience. The more you train and test yourself in smaller events, the better prepared you’ll be for the big Channel crossing.

🗓️ Step-by-Step Swim Plan

From my 15 years of coaching Channel swimmers, here’s a simple framework to help you prepare:

1. Build Your Base

Start with achievable distance goals. Aim for 10 km qualifying swims, then work towards longer events like:

• Rottnest Channel Swim

• Port to Pub Swim

• Palm to Shelly Swim

• Derwent River Swim

By 2026, your first phase should focus on building endurance in comfortable water temperatures and learning how to pace yourself for long-distance efforts.

2. Complete Your Qualifying Swims

Your official qualifying swims will be crucial.
You’ll likely have two professional opportunities to complete your 8-hour swim:

• April (Tasmania) – A two-day camp: https://www.iswimhappy.com/cwc

• Friday: Night swim (around 2 hours)

• Saturday: Full 8-hour qualifying swim
  After this camp, you’ll have a clear understanding of your preparation level and what still needs improvement.

• Cold Water Camp (Sydney) – Three days of intensive cold-water training.
  You’ll complete five swims in three days, simulating real Channel conditions. https://vladswim.com.au/cold-water-camp/
  This camp is also a great place to meet fellow Channel swimmers from around Australia and overseas, sharing experiences and building friendships.

3. Fine-Tune for the Channel

In your final phase, focus on specific Channel conditions — nutrition, recovery, mental strength, and cold-water adaptation. At this stage, you’re polishing your preparation, not reinventing it.

💡 Key Tips for a Successful Channel Journey

1.    Follow a Plan: Don’t guess week to week — create a structured plan and stick with it.

2.    Set Clear Goals: Each goal you achieve builds endurance, fitness, and confidence.

3.    Recover Well: After every big goal, take time to recover so you’re fresh for the next stage.

4.    Find Swim Friends: Training with others keeps you accountable and motivated.

5.    Work with Your Coach: Share your goals, get feedback, and adjust your plan when needed.

6.    Cover All Areas: Include dryland training, recovery, nutrition, and mental preparation.

7.    Stay Positive: Enjoy the process — this journey should bring you joy as well as achievement.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Everyone has the potential to conquer the Channel. If you were a swimmer in the past, your background gives you confidence. If you’re newer to the sport, your determination will take you just as far. Both paths are equally rewarding.

Enjoy the journey, trust your training, and remember — the Channel isn’t just a swim, it’s an experience of a lifetime.

Good luck, everyone!
Vlad