Ross Edgley Achieves Unprecedented Feat: Swimming 1,610km Around Iceland’s Rugged Coastline

Historic Achievement in Extreme Swimming

British endurance athlete Ross Edgley has achieved another remarkable feat, completing a record-breaking swim around Iceland’s entire coastline. The extraordinary journey, spanning 1,610 kilometers (1,000 miles), concluded at Nauthólsvík Beach in Reykjavík on September 8, 2025. Throughout the challenge, Edgley battled freezing temperatures, unpredictable currents, and violent storms, protected only by a wetsuit and neoprene accessories.

Scientific Impact and Environmental Contribution

The expedition went beyond personal achievement, as Edgley collaborated with local scientists and conservationists to raise awareness about marine ecosystems and climate change impacts in the North Atlantic. The team collected vital samples around Iceland’s coastline during the swim.

Logistical Support and Equipment

The expedition was supported by a 68ft SKIRR Adventures expedition yacht serving as Edgley’s floating base, with an on-board crew managing his nutrition, hydration, and medical needs. On land, a fleet of BMW iX vehicles provided logistical support and transported critical equipment across Iceland’s challenging terrain.

Record-Breaking Career

This achievement adds to Edgley’s impressive resume, which includes becoming the first person to swim around mainland Great Britain in 2018 and completing the world’s longest non-stop river swim in 2024, covering 510 km down Canada’s Yukon River.

Expert Recognition

The feat has drawn praise from notable figures, including actor Chris Hemsworth, who acknowledged how Edgley “breaks the mould and redefines endurance sport and adventure.” Bear Grylls emphasized the extraordinary nature of the achievement, noting the extreme demands of swimming in ice-cold rough seas.

Future Documentation

The extraordinary journey will be showcased in an upcoming Channel 4 documentary series, which will provide viewers with an inside look at the psychological and physical challenges faced during the adventure, along with capturing Iceland’s dramatic coastal landscapes.