Extreme Swimmer Josef Köberl Crossed the North Channel as the First Austrian

In 14 hours, 5 minutes, and 40 seconds, Köberl swam from Kirckere (on a peninsula north of Bangor, Northern Ireland) to Portpatrick (Scotland) – with 13 °C water temperature, strong currents, and several jellyfish encounters.

He is thus:

the one who successfully crossed the North Channel. The originally approximately 35-kilometer-long route grew to 41.21 kilometers due to the current.

Köberl: “It was a battle – against cold, nausea, jellyfish, and my own mind”

“It was a battle – against cold, nausea, jellyfish, and my own mind,” says Köberl.
“A lion's mane jellyfish hit me directly on the chest. I slowed down, felt nauseous – but I didn't stop.” The last meters became a fight for survival: The incoming tide pushed him against the Scottish rocks after the finish. “I couldn't get back to the boat in the water. Only a wave freed me. I was completely exhausted on the boat – both physically and mentally.” Köberl was accompanied by Pádraig Mallon (Infinity Channel Swimming), Mag. Barbara Anderl, and an official observer from the ILDSA (Irish Long Distance Swimming Association).

Ocean’s Seven – four stages completed

With the North Channel, Josef Köberl has now conquered four of the seven legendary open water routes of the Ocean’s Seven – after

Still missing:

Köberl aims to be the first Austrian to complete the Ocean’s Seven.

About Josef Köberl

Josef Köberl is an extreme athlete, speaker, president of the Ice Swimming Association, and a multiple award-winning coach. His ice swimming workshops and lectures combine physical boundary experiences with awareness building for mental strength, self-overcoming, and nature experience.

(Red)

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