British adventurer to swim around Iceland
Ross Edgley, a British swimmer who plans to swim around Iceland. Mbl.is/Eyþór
Ross Edgley, a 39-year-old endurance athlete and swimmer from the UK, is set to embark on an extraordinary journey this Friday—a 1,600-kilometer swim around Iceland. The challenge, which could take between three to five months, is one of the most ambitious of his career and has been more than a year in the making.
Lifelong swimmer with a passion for the sea
Edgley, who has swum competitively since childhood and once played water polo, says he turned to open-water swimming after realizing he didn’t have the height advantage for team sports.
“Height doesn’t matter as much as grit and determination,” he tells mbl.is .
Ross is very excited to start swimming. mbl.is/Eyþór
A grueling training regimen
In preparation for the expedition, Edgley has followed an intense training and dietary program, consuming 10,000 calories a day and swimming for up to 12 hours daily. He has gained nearly 15 kilograms, aiming to build endurance while maintaining strength.
Much of his recent training took place in the cold waters of Scotland, but he also came to Iceland in February to test the local conditions.
“It was incredibly cold, but I got to see the Northern Lights,” he says with a smile. “It was awesome.”
Sustainable support at sea
Edgley will be accompanied by a support boat carrying an eight-person crew. The team is committed to minimizing environmental impact, rotating responsibilities to ensure a sustainable and efficient voyage.
Ross was training at Álftanes on Tuesday. mbl.is/Eyþór
A Mmission of science and storytelling
In partnership with the University of Iceland and the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Edgley will collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples along his route to help map marine biodiversity.
He also plans to document the journey in detail: weekly YouTube videos, as well as regular updates on TikTok and Instagram, will offer a window into life at sea. He hopes to connect with Icelanders and audiences around the globe, sharing not just the physical challenge, but the people, nature, and culture of Iceland.
mbl.is/Eyþór
Inspired by myth and Marvel
The idea for the swim came years ago, shortly after his swim around Britain. While chatting with friend Chris Hemsworth—the actor who plays Thor in the Marvel films—Edgley was encouraged to consider Iceland, a land steeped in Norse mythology.
“Chris said this would be the closest I’d get to Asgard,” Edgley recalls. “That stuck with me.”
A warm Icelandic welcome
Above all, Edgley says he’s felt nothing but kindness from the people of Iceland.
“I know I’m an odd Brit who came here to swim around your country,” he laughs. “But everyone has made me feel so welcome. It’s a privilege, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
The swim officially begins Friday, and Edgley’s location will be trackable online throughout the journey.
