Red Equipment - UK
Red Equipment - UK

From Pool Lengths to Channel Crossings: Adele Benson's Open Water Swimming Journey

Written by Lydia Burdett /

Swimming didn’t begin in open water for Adele. It started in the pool — a place that offered routine, structure and space to reset. What began as a simple way to focus gradually developed into a consistent training habit that fit around everyday life. Open water came later, starting with an impulsive entry into the Henley Thames Classic, before progressing to challenges including the English Channel, Windermere and Lake Annecy. In this piece, Adele reflects on how both pool and open water swimming have shaped her mindset, confidence and approach to the sport.