East Granby Man Waiting to Swim English Channel

Douglas Comstock will soon be attempting to swim the English Channel, but he must first wait for the right conditions.

The 60-year-old East Granby resident was supposed to begin the swim on Friday, but high winds prevented it.

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More people have successfully scaled Everest than have swum across the English Channel. Comstock will have to fight to get his air one breath at time from just above the surface of the cold, choppy waters between the U.K. and France. Waves, current, 57F degree waters, and fatigue will be in the mix - as well as the danger of hypothermia.

The distance to swim is just over 21 miles. The time needed to make the crossing varies from as few as seven hours to as many as 27 hours. The water conditions and the condition of the swimmer determine the time needed.

For such a long time in the water, swimmers have to figure out how and what to eat and drink during the swim. All this while greased from head to toe. Grease is the preferred (and only allowed) insulator for swimmers. Swimmers are not permitted to use any kind of material that offers buoyancy or thermal insulation. It is a brutal test of endurance.

Comstock is swimming to benefit www.foodshare.org and anyone who would like to donate to or sponsor him can do so by clicking here.