Oceans 7 has nothing to do with Georges and Brad (Clooney and Pitt). The challenge implies swimming across some of the world’s most treacherous and unpredictable waters, enduring freezing temperatures, battling powerful currents, and swimming distances so long they are marathons.
Welcome to the Oceans Seven (O7), the open-water challenge that dares even the most experienced open swimmers to push their limits, to the extreme. Completing all seven swims is not just a test of physical endurance but a mental battle, one that requires relentless perseverance, and a strong taste for adventure. If you have all of the above, this challenge may just be your ultimate quest.
Learn more about the seven crossings that make up the challenge and their characteristics.
@Credit nageurs.com
The equivalent of the 14 peaks in mountaineering, these are the 7 open-water crossings.
What are the Oceans Seven swims?
From freezing cold water to vicious currents, here’s a closer look at what you’ll be swimming through.
What: England to France - Distance: 33.8 km (21 miles) - Water Temperature: 15-18°C
Ah, the English Channel. The Channel is famous for its cold, unpredictable currents, and busy shipping lanes make this swim a test of both physical and mental endurance. Eurostar or ferry are not an option here but you can try and break the record held by Andreas Waschburger in 6 hours 45 minutes 25 seconds.
What: Spain to Morocco - Distance: 14.4 km (9 miles) - Water Temperature: 16-22°C
The Strait of Gibraltar links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, and while the swim itself isn’t quite as long as others on this list, the current can be brutal and freight traffic heavy. Therefore, a speed of 3km/h for several hours is advised. Olé!
What: California, USA - Distance: 32.19 km (20 miles) - Water Temperature: 18-22°C
The Catalina Channel swim links Catalina Island to the California coast, and while the temperature is mild compared to colder swims, surface temperatures are fast changing and can drop 5ºC within 3 miles of the coast. The vast majority of Catalina crossings occur during neap tides so the tidal range is at its lowest, but the ocean’s currents remain unpredictable.
What: Hawaii, USA - Distance: 42.8 km (26.6 miles) - Water Temperature: 23-26°C
The Molokai Channel swim is the longest of all the O7 swims. It stretches between Molokai Island and Oahu in Hawaii. While the water temperature is more manageable, the real challenge comes from the powerful currents, big waves, and the potential encounters with sharks, whales, turtles, jellyfish and dolphins. Yes, just that. This is your marathon of the sea.
The previous record was held by Hungarian swimmer Attila Mányoki, in 12 hours and 2 minutes. This record has just been beaten by Andreas Waschburger, who set a 2nd record for himself after the one on the English Channel. He completed this crossing on October 6, in just under 10 hours (9h55'10“), no less!
What: Japan - Distance: 19.5 km (12.1 miles) - Water Temperature: 18-20°C
Located between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, the Tsugaru Channel is known for strong tidal currents and up to 3 ft of choppy waters. Swimmers face unpredictable waters that require focus and strength. You might need to sprint it to finish it..
What: New Zealand - Distance: 22.5 km (14 miles) - Water Temperature: 13-18°C
The Cook Strait lies between New-Zealand north and South islands, connecting the Tasman sea with the South Pacific ocean. It is a notoriously tough swim, with strong tidal flows but also dolphins. There is a Maori belief that they will protect you from sharks during your crossing.
What: Northern Ireland to Scotland - Distance: 34 km (21 miles) - Water Temperature: 10-15°C
The North Channel swim is infamous for its cold temperatures, sometimes reaching near-freezing levels. It’s also known for its strong currents and sudden weather changes.
Swimmers who have completed the Oceans Seven
Only 33 swimmers have completed the O7 over the years. If you've seen films like Disney's recent "Young woman and the Sea," you'll appreciate the spirit of survival and resilience that drives the athletes who attempt these legendary crossings. Currently doing the challenge is French swimmer Alain Simac (and proud Olympic torch bearer for Paris 2024). You can read his interview on Openswimstars.com.
It usually takes years to complete, so you can decide to start young like Caitlin O’Reilly from New Zealand who swam the first crossing, Cook Strait, aged only 12, or finish later in life like Antonio Argüelles from Mexico who completed Oceans 7 aged 58.
How to register for the Oceans Seven challenge?
So, you’re thinking about giving this a go? Know that you will only be allowed a swimsuit, no wetsuit to validate the swims, and a lot of Vaseline-lanoline (best to protect you from chafing and a little of the cold). Here are a few websites to get you there:
English channel / Catalina / Gibraltar / North channel / Cook / Molokaï / Tsugaru.
Wether you are after prestige, physical challenge, personal growth or extreme adventure, completing the Oceans Seven has to be the most impressive feats in the world of swimming, and it’s a goal that few will ever achieve.
The O7 offers something rare, a chance to experience the adventure of a lifetime while simultaneously setting a personal record that will be admired by all. To put you in the mood, sit tight and watch this beautiful documentary “Against the tides”. The oceans are calling for you…