The training, acclimatisation and mindset needed to swim 33.3km, the English Channel distance.
Preparing for the Channel distance means building volume, practising open water skills and getting comfortable with long time in the water. Because UltraSwim 33.3 is held in warm water, preparation focuses on endurance, technique and confidence rather than cold acclimatisation.
UltraSwim 33.3 is an Epic Adventure Swim Race™ covering 33.3km, the historic English Channel distance, split across five to seven point to point open water swims (we hate laps) over four days in warmer water locations (a half Channel 17km option exists). So far held in Croatia, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, Montenegro and the Caribbean, based at luxury spa hotels, with world class safety cover, premium support, a complete preparation programme and a diverse community that ranges from 14 to 74 years old, usually more women than men. From competitive Masters swimmers, triathletes and swimrunners to leisure and wild swimmers simply aiming to complete the distance. From a required pace of just 2km/h, any determined swimmer can do it. Come in a group or alone, everyone leaves with new friends for life. Award winning, all inclusive packages start from €1,575 CHECK (€750 for our 2 day Compact format)
Preparing for the Channel distance means building volume, practising open water skills and getting comfortable with long time in the water. Warm water removes the cold acclimatisation barrier, so preparation focuses on endurance, technique and confidence.
The UltraSwim 33.3 preparation programme builds swimmers from their current level to the 33.3km distance. It covers volume progression, sighting and navigation, a fuelling strategy and the mental preparation for multi day swimming, so you arrive at the start line ready in body and mind.
The iconic English Channel distance spread over 5 - 7 swims. Choose the full 33.3 CLASSIC, or the 33.3 / 2 BUILD 'Half Channel' which caps each swim at 5km. Life-changing for many.
Swiss precision event organisation. Boat and kayak safety cover provided on every swim. Daily briefings on conditions, route and pace. Experienced and dedicated team
Whether you come on your own or with a club, you will find your tribe, and make new lifelong bonds over 4 days of highs and lows as you reach for that 33.3 Finisher droplet
All iconic, each with their own challenges and beauty - Croatia, Switzerland, Greece, Montenegro, Spain and the Caribbean. From May to December and designed to fit your season and time constraints.
Explore the preparation programme, coaching and swim camps that get you to the start line ready.
Explore trainingUltraSwim 33.3 provides a comprehensive preparation programme so you arrive at the start line ready in body and mind.
Swimmers share how they trained for the 33.3km distance.
Most swimmers build over several months, following a structured programme that grows volume and open water skills towards the distance.
No. UltraSwim 33.3 events are in warm water, so cold acclimatisation is not required. Training focuses on endurance and technique.
Sustainable pacing, sighting and navigation, in water fuelling and the confidence to swim for long periods. All are covered in the programme.
The 33.3km total is divided into daily swims, so each day is an achievable share rather than the full distance at once.