3rd ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM

JULY 30, 2025

ENGLAND —> FRANCE

Success! On July 30th, 2025, Katie Pumphrey completed her 3rd English Channel swim. Covering ~40 miles, Pumphrey completed the swim in 14 hours 13 minutes! 

IMG_1753.jpg
IMG_1752.jpg
IMG_1751.jpg
IMG_1836.PNG
IMG_1838.jpg
IMG_1750.jpg
IMG_1749.jpg
Laststretch_EC2025.jpg
Finish_EC2025.jpg
katieindiggy_done_EC2025.jpg
KT_afterEC_3.jpg
katie3_EC2025.jpg
EC2025_katiejoe.jpg
EC2025_CaptsFredHarryKatie_Masterpiece.jpg
Pumphrey_ECtrack_2025.PNG
WhiteHorsePub_signature_EC2025.jpg

The English Channel is the body of water separating England and France, and the 34 km (21-mile) swim across it is the world's most historically significant and iconic marathon swim. The swim is heavily influenced by tides and requires careful planning and adherence to strict rules. 

Two organizations have exclusive authority to sanction cross-Channel swims: the Channel Swimming Association (CSA, founded 1927) and the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation (CS&PF, founded 1999).

 The Sport of Channel Swimming traces its origins to the latter part of the 19th Century when Captain Matthew Webb made the first observed and unassisted swim across the English Channel in 1875, swimming from England to France in 21 hours and 45 minutes. In 1926, American swimmer, Gertrude Ederle was the first woman ever to swim the English Channel, swimming France to England in a time of 14 hours 31 minutes. Ederle’s swim greatly impacted the course of women’s sports. Known as “Queen of the Waves,” Ederle shattered gender norms and proved women's athletic capabilities. Her achievement inspired countless women to participate in sports, challenged societal perceptions of women's physical limitations, and forever changed the course of women in sports. 

Meet the Crew

  • Crew Chief

    Joe Mahach, Katie’s Husband

  • Crew

    Trent Sumner, Friend

  • Crew

    Dylan Tenney, Friend

*(Pumphrey and crew have been waiting 11 days for the good weather to swim. Two crew members, Dylan Tenney and Trent Sumner, had to fly out— which is a reality of these swims sometimes. Experienced team member, Joe Mahach, will crew solo.)

IT’S GO TIME!

START: WED, July 30th, ~1:30AM UK local time

Pumphrey will begin her swim in England— near Samphire Hoe / Shakespeare Beach of Dover, UK. The finish is near Cap Gris-Nez / Wissant, France. While the English Channel is 34km (21-mile) point to point, swims plan an “S” shaped route, to account for changing tides and currents, which can make the course much longer.

Supported by the CSA boat, the Masterpiece, boat captains Fred and Harry Mardle will pilot Pumphrey’s swim. Pumphrey has one support crew member, her husband, Joe Mahach. Also aboard, will be a CSA appointed Observer (i.e. a referee) in sole charge of the timing of the swim and shall be responsible for observing compliance with the rules, subject to ratification by the Committee. 

Estimated finish time 12-14 hours. Estimated finish could vary depending on exact start and water / wind conditions. Follow the live trackers to see Pumphrey’s progress, and Pumphrey's crew will be sharing updates to her social media.

This is Katie Pumphrey’s 3rd English Channel swim. Pumphrey swam the English Channel for the first time in 2015, completing the swim from England to France in 14 hours 19 minutes. Pumphrey’s 2nd English Channel swim was in 2022, finishing in a time of 13 hours 44 minutes. 

Weather is a third to place and time.

22 July 2025

Hello! I am currently writing to you from Folkestone, UK. We are officially in my swim window, but currently waiting for the weather to shift and winds to calm. The call of when to swim is made by my boat captains aka the pilots, Harry & Fred— so until then, I am exploring Folkestone (one of my favorite places), relaxing, and aiming to stay calm. In 2022, for my 2nd English Channel swim I waited 10 days to swim— so I am very familiar with the waiting game in this sport and the rollercoaster of emotions waiting can bring.

Among the beautiful views of the channel and this town— Folkestone is also currently hosting the Folkestone Triennial - one of the UK’s leading exhibitions of contemporary art in public space. It is an exciting contemporary art festival, describes by a local paper as when Folkestone becomes a town-wide gallery” — so I am one happy clam over here. Exploring these new works and enjoying time by the water— I’m spending a lot of time brainstorming my paintings back in my studio.

For so many reasons, this town and this swim will always have my heart. I am wildly excited to get my chance to once again swim to France. Follow on my socials for more, but I will be sure to post here when I’m swimming and a tracker link to follow! More soon!

- Katie

2025 Sponsors & Partners

Thank you to all sponsors & partners, as well as individual donors! The journey of this swim, and all of the training and steps it takes to get there, wouldn’t be possible without your generous support!

Sponsorships & Partnerships directly contribute towards the costs of associated with all swims and training in Katie’s 2025 season. This sport is one that requires a lot of support, time in training, and a team to make it a success.

Contact Katie directly at pumphreykatie@gmail.com.