Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation "Nothing great is easy", Captain Matthew Webb

30 Aug 2020Nik Haynes's Super Fast Backstroke Swim

On 7 August 2020, Nicholas (Nik) Haynes took 12 hours 52 mins 41 secs  to complete a swim of the English Channel using just backstroke.

Every single stroke was judged to be proper ASA approved backstroke, which is a phenomenal achievement.

His time means he is the fastest backstroke swimmer to swim the English Channel.

Sandettie Lightship Observations

1pm, 12th July 2026


Water: 66.2 °F (19 °C)

Air: 66.2 °F (19 °C)

Wind Speed: 22.0 kn (40.7 km/h)

Wind Direction: NE (40°)

Channel Weather 

The CS&PF President, Mike Ball and all the committee are deeply saddened by the passing of Ady Brown.… https://t.co/E17pLxZwgw

4 years ago