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Swimmers in warm open water at an UltraSwim 33.3 event in Greece

Open water swim events for first time endurance swimmers: take on the English Channel distance with UltraSwim 33.3

Your longest swim is only 3 or 4km, and you might be new to the open water, but you are a goal-orientated and determined swimmer? UltraSwim 33.3 is very much for you. The iconic English Channel distance of 33.3km is spread across four days in warm, clear water, broken into daily swims you can build towards. This is not for everyone, but everyone can do it.

First time endurance swimmers

THIS IS NOT AN ELITE EVENT!

Most swimmers arrive having never swum more than 5km in one go, and for many its their first big open water challenge. The four day format spreads 33.3km into managable daily swims, with the 10km marathon swim on day 3 when you are at your strongest - historically this has been the longest ever swim for a majority of our participants. There are always a group of very good swimmers at the front - BUT the vast majority are there just to complete the challenge, and with a huge range of pace (from 2km/h up), ambition and experience. You will find your tribe!

How the format works

TRAINING PLANS, COACHING SUPPORT

We have a network of Affiliate coaches that know the event are online and available to support you, a popular whatsapp group for training and general tips, and webinars on topics like nutrition, injury prevention. There is a free 17 week training plan, plus access to paid-for sophisticated personalised plans through our Affiliate coaches. UltraSwim 33.3 doesn't need you to be a great swimmer - but a solid preparation will enhance your experience.

Included in the ULTRA + / ++ package is a free video analysis to help you with technique (you need to do the filming, remote coaching).

See our training plans
UltraSwim 33.3 #9 Greece, underwater view of the rock gap
UltraSwim 33.3 #7 Croatia, drone view of a safety kayak

Everything sorted, so you can focus on the swim

Our aim is to send you home a better swimmer, or more confident for what life is going to throw at you next - or both. From €1,794 your place covers everything you need to be able to swim, from luxury accommodation to world class safety, you will be fully looked after from the moment you arrive.

With a team of professional kayakers and safety boats, supported by live GPS tracking, looking after you in the water, all you have to focus on is the swimming. You will never swim more than 5km without a feedstation, and emergency nutrition is available in between should you need it.

See prices and packages

Become a 33.3er

Just over 150 years since Captain Matthew Webb first crossed the Channel, and 100 years since the first woman, Trudy Ederle, completed it, this is your chance to take on the same distance - but in far more welcoming waters. You will find your tribe, surprise yourself with what you can do, and go home changed, and with the coveted 33.3 Finisher droplet around your neck. Potentially life changing. Certainly epic.

"Hits the spot between challanege and achievability" as Simon Griffiths of Outdoor Swimmer magazine commented after taking it on. Join this global community of like-minded swimmers, and write a personal story that you will tell for years.

How to book
An Epic First Year for UltraSwim 33.3
Not sure which event fits you?

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Nine short questions, about two minutes of your time. We read your submission, then share information with you to help you select the right event for you.

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All our events so far have won awards. See reviews from other swimmers.

Gold Award 2025 RaceCheckGold Award 2024 RaceCheckGold Award 2023 RaceCheckTop Rated 2024 RaceCheck

New to this? Start here

Almost everyone who lines up at UltraSwim 33.3 was once a first timer, unsure they could do it. The format, the support and the community are built to carry you through. Here is what first time swimmers ask us most before they enter.

Do I need to have swum 33.3km before?+

No. A clear majority of our swimmers have never swum more than 5km in a single swim before they start. And that is completely normal. Follow our training programme to fully prepare.

Is the 17 week plan enough to prepare?+

For most first timers, yes. The 17 week plan builds your distance gradually from wherever you start, with technique and coaching support along the way. We also have a partnership with Swim Smooth Guru that offers personalised training programmes specifically for UltraSwim 33.3.

What if I am slower than everyone else?+

You should swim at a pace that is comfortable for you, you will find your tribe that match your pace.

ASK CAPTAIN WEBB

Questions? Captain Webb has answers

Captain Webb is your go-to guide for everything UltraSwim 33.3. Whether you’re wondering about an event, preparing for your swim, travelling to a location or simply looking for more information, Captain Webb is here to help - 24/7.
You'll find him floating in a pink bubble on the right hand side of your page.

Stay Informed

If you're interested, but can't commit to a challenge right now, subscribe to our newsletter and receive an edition of Flow magazine, UltraSwim 33.3's ultimate guide to open water endurance swimming.

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