The self sufficient challenge: Mainland to the Isle of Wight

There is something about organising a challenge yourself that makes it that extra bit special.

After a long relaxing season of dipping, I finally got into a half attempt at an event season. Basically 4 weeks between July and August where I actually did some stuff. I had a half ironman in July, a few other things and then the most exciting event of the year -

Mainland to the Isle of Wight

This swim had always intrigued me. I knew there were a few organised groups who swim the Solent but this didn't interest me. So I decided to go for it myself. Me and a few Lancing swimmers got our hands on some generous people with smalls ribs and off we went. I could not have picked a better day, flat as a pancake, beautiful sun. From Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay was the plan. Slack and turn is about 1 hour before so we set off just before low tide, aimed slightly west of the bay and the incoming tide brought us back round to kit the bay. Pretty spot on if I do say so myself!

A few zippy boats to contend with but no match for us open water swimmers!

The direct 2km swim turned into 3km due to the currents but we done in an enjoyable 54 minutes.

A swim I would recommend, just make sure you have the right safety cover and triple check the tides and conditions. Although it is a shorter swim, the currents in the narrow part of the Solent are quick, and you don't want to end up hanging on to the needles on the west coast!