Escaping The Everyday With Ash Semmens

Beyond the Horizon: Okanui's Own Ash Semmens Tackles the English Channel, For a Cause

Today, we’re talking about a true Okanui legend in the making: our mate, Ash Semmens.

As you read this, Ash is taking on one of the planet's most formidable endurance challenges. He's aiming to become the first person in history to swim the iconic English Channel entirely on his back.

This isn't just a swim, it's a testament to the human spirit.

The Challenge: A Record-Breaking 33km Backstroke Swim

Let that sink in for a moment. The English Channel is a relentless 33km stretch of cold, unpredictable water. Seasoned swimmers who tackle it freestyle call it their Everest. Ash is facing this beast head-on, in a feat of endurance expected to take over 15 gruelling hours, with nothing but the sky above and a world of grit within.

Every powerful stroke Ash takes is dedicated to raising vital funds and awareness for the Navy Clearance Diver Trust (NCDT). The NCDT provides lifelong support to Clearance Divers and their families, offering relief from financial, medical, and psychological hardships. It’s a cause incredibly close to Ash's heart, turning this immense physical challenge into a powerful charity swim with a profound purpose.

It’s this kind of grit, this unbreakable connection to the saltwater, that made us incredibly proud to stand with Ash as one of his official sponsors. 

 His journey to escape the everyday inspires us, and we know it will inspire you too.