The Incredible Women Swimming from Lands End to Scilly to Protect our Oceans

Despite having little sea swimming experience, six friends have decided to take on the challenge of swimming 50km from Lands End to Scilly, all to raise funds for Surfers Against Sewage. Alex, Alice, Kim-Marie, Paula, Ruth and Tina will be relaying the famously choppy stretch of water, renowned for its fair share of shipwrecks over the years, in July 2021. Inspired by their love of the ocean and their desire to want to do something to tackle both climate change and the plastic pollution problem, we think this is an incredible tale of camaraderie and dedication worth hearing about. Here’s what they had to say.

Why take on such a huge challenge?

Brought up near the Cornish coast and having spent much of our years either in, on, or watching the ocean, we are no doubt Thalassophiles. After years rowing surfboats together, a solid friendship was formed based on urge for adventure. However, swimming to Scilly isn’t just about us enjoying times in the ocean, it’s also about the connection us humans have with the sea. Given that protecting the planet and changing our ways is fundamental for survival of life on earth, we wanted to support a local charity dedicated to the two major issues: plastic pollution and climate change. We chose to complete the swim to raise funds for Surfers Against Sewage, not just because they used to throw the best parties but because they show huge commitment to fundamental environmental issues.

Alex, Alice, Kim-Marie, Paula, Ruth and Tina will be swimming 50km from Lands End to Scilly in July 2021

Why Lands End to Scilly?

Having previously rowed this stretch of water in a surfboat, we have been drawn back to it. Encouraged by Mark Richards’ solo swim to Scilly in 2019 we decided to take on a long distance relay swim. Initially we considered the Channel but the stretch of water off Lands End felt more like home, plus there are less ships to negotiate. So, we started our journey to find the fitness and make plans.

What is your experience with sea swimming?

Despite our fortuitous relationship with the Cornish coast, distance sea swimming is new to us, especially as a winter past time. After training all winter in the ocean we are gradually building our stamina to take on the 50km swim from Lands End to the Isles of Scilly in July. We are stronger, acclimatised and confident swimming offshore. Discovering the benefits of sea swimming all year round has been life changing.

“Despite our fortuitous relationship with the Cornish coast, distance sea swimming is new to us, especially as a winter past time.”

What have been the major challenges?

The Pandemic led to a delay of the event by 1 year. However, preparing for this challenge helped us get through such peculiar times with regular swims, camaraderie and a positive focus. This passage is notorious for its strong currents so we will rely on calm conditions and timing the tides to achieve this swim. Accompanied by a safety boat and two kayaks we plan to leave from a rock off Nanjizal in the early hours.

What makes the passage from Lands End to Scilly unique?

There are many exciting things about this challenge other than the swimming. Lands End to Scilly is a stretch of water that brings with it great mystery and interest. Legend tells of the ‘The Lost Land of Lyonnesse’ a wondrous land destroyed by great inundation from the sea. It’s believed that at times the tolling of bells from lost churches can be heard under the water...we will be listening out for these. Interestingly this crossing passes a volcanic plug called Wolf Rock, named after the howling sound it makes during gales. The lighthouse that stands here was the first in the world to feature a helipad. Also on our journey, as we approach the islands, in the distance we will see Severn Stones light ship, a stark reminder of the hundreds of ships wrecked on the reef.

“Lands End to Scilly is a stretch of water that brings with it great mystery and interest.”

How much do you aim to raise for Surfers Against Sewage?

So far we have raised over £3k for SAS and endeavour to reach our target by July of £6k. We would love your support whether it be through donations to our chosen charity or by following our journey through social media.

How to support the Scilly Swimmers

If you’d like to donate to the cause, you can do so here.

You can also follow the team’s progress and check out their training regime via Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on Surfers Against Sewage and the amazing work they do, check out their website, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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