The Big Story Keep calm and swim on: how a Canadian man conquered the English Channel
Aug 8, 2025
Sam Garrison, a dedicated Toronto high school teacher, recently made waves by completing a solo swim across the English Channel, a feat only achieved by a few Canadians. He shares how this journey began as a way to cope with pandemic frustrations and evolved into a mission to raise funds for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Sam recounts the grueling physical and mental challenges he faced, from jellyfish encounters to oil tankers, and the crucial support from loved ones that kept him motivated through moments of doubt.
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Stepwise Endurance Building
- Build endurance gradually by increasing swim duration step-by-step: from 20 minutes to miles, hours, and long races.
- Consistent training metrics help prepare for challenges like long channel swims.
Cold Water Training Essential
- Do extensive training in open and cold water to build tolerance and avoid hypothermia risks.
- Regular cold water exposure, including winter lake swims and cold showers, is essential for channel preparation.
Start of the Intense Swim
- Sam described the start of his swim with nerves and a dark rocky beach illuminated by a big spotlight.
- He began swimming at sunset, feeling the cold water shock and the harsh conditions immediately.