A Relay Across the English Channel: Three Women, One Swim

Cornwall is no stranger to ocean-lovers and daring adventures, and now three local swimmers are taking that spirit to the next level. Camilla, Flo, and Jemima, collectively known as Beyond the Buoys, are preparing to take on the English Channel, 21 miles of cold, open Atlantic waters, testing not just their endurance but their courage and determination.

Combining pool training with open-water swims in the ocean, they are steadily building the endurance needed for the monumental challenge of crossing the English Channel from Dover, UK, to Calais, France.

Meet the team

Camilla, from Falmouth, has loved swimming since her teenage years.

“I have wanted to swim the Channel since I was a teenager,” she says. “After a random sea dip with a friend, we realised we shared the same excitement for this crazy challenge. We recruited another awesome pal, and thus Beyond the Buoys channel swimming team was BORN!”

Flo, 27, lives a life intertwined with the sea, traveling in a van with her boyfriend and their dog, Ozzie. 

“Swimming the Channel will be an immense challenge,” she admits, “but it’s also an incredible opportunity, a chance to push ourselves physically and mentally, while raising money for a brilliant cause. I am so excited to do this with two such formidable and wonderful women at my side.”

Jemima, the third member of the squad, brings a mix of adventure and introspection.

“This BIG swim is a celebration of the ocean, womanhood, friendship, community, and the belief that we are all capable of far more than we might think,” she says.

This daring feat aligns perfectly with the ethos of Macke Swimwear, a female-founded Cornish business celebrating local talent, women’s empowerment, and a love of the sea.

“These women embody everything our brand stands for. A passion for pushing boundaries, both personal and societal. We’re proud to support them on this incredible journey,” says Macke's Founder. 

We asked the swimmers what they anticipate will be the biggest tests during their Channel crossing.

As Beyond the Buoys prepares to take on one of the world’s most iconic open-water challenges, their story serves as a reminder: courage, friendship, and determination can defy expectations, proving you can, and will, make waves in every arena, including the English Channel.

Follow their adventure and support the swim at @beyond_the_buoys on Instagram.