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

1am, 22nd April 2026


Water: 52.2 °F (11.2 °C)

Air: 51.8 °F (11 °C)

Wind Speed: 20.0 kn (37.0 km/h)

Wind Direction: ENE (70°)

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

3 years ago