A Channel swimmer photostory - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine

“Physical preparation for this is key, but mental preparation is paramount”. On 4 September, 16-year-old Prisha Tapre became a Channel swimmer with a time of 11hrs 48mins, beautifully captured by photographer Paul Meyler.

At 02:10am on Wednesday 4 September Prisha Tapre stepped off the beach at Samphire Hoe near Dover into the cold, dark and choppy sea knowing she was ready. “Her support vessel ‘Lousie Jane 2’ was piloted by Andy King and her boat support crew comprised her father Rahul Tapre, photographer Paul Meyler, Megan Reader, Felipe Irvine and Jeremy Irvine, Open Water Coach at Watford Swimming Club. Together we had everything covered. All Prisha needed to do was to keep swimming.

“Physical preparation for this is key, but mental preparation is paramount,” Jeremy told us. “Prisha knew what to expect. She was about to cross the world’s busiest shipping lanes. As you leave English inland waters the first ships and tankers are crossing us from left to right in the SW shipping lane, then you enter the separation zone.”

“The equivalent of the motorway’s central reservation, this is where debris and jellyfish congregate. But more importantly this is where you need to reach before the tide turns and carries you south along the French coast. Fail this and your swim will either be aborted or take another two tides to push you in.”

Swimming on a big spring tide

The first jellyfish sting took Prisha by surprise. “We cheered from the boat as she laughed it off and carried on. Her pace was great so the tide swept us down the NE shipping lane towards the Cap Gris-Nez.”

Bad weather had delayed the start date forcing Prisha to swim on to a big spring tide which carried her south of her landing point. Prisha could see the French cliffs getting further away, so Junior training buddies Megan Reader and Felipe Irvine joined her as support swimmers for one hour each to lift her spirits.

Prisha’s pace increased again as the French cliffs came within reach. “The wind had picked up and big waves were crashing against the rocks. Prisha’s face beamed when she turned to see the support dingy,” said Jeremy. “She grinned and she battled her way through all the big blue jellyfish.”

Perseverance and training

With an impressive time of 11hrs 48mins Prisha became a Channel Swimmer. “I can’t describe the joy as we watched her carefully climb the rocks and stand clear of the water,” said Jeremy. “Prisha showed just what can be accomplished by perseverance and training. It’s been an honour and privilege to be part of this amazing team who have helped her dream become a reality.

“Her parents, Rahul and Poonam, are extremely generous, kind and considerate. Prisha’s chosen charity – Akshaya Parta UK, which provides hot meals to underprivileged school children here and in India – is testament to their nature. The charity has a base in Watford that provides healthy meals to schools throughout North London.

A final word from her Coach, Jeremy Irvine: “Prisha never gives up; she always completes her swims. She is the most courageous and determined 16-year-old I have ever coached. I am so proud of her achievement and I’m sure she will succeed in anything she set’s her mind to. It’s been an honor and privilege to be part of this amazing team who have helped Prisha’s dream become a reality.”