Mr Charles Flourens with his Hydrosphere

Frenchman Mr Charles Flourens Crossed the Channel from Cap Gris Nez – Dover on 28 September 1934 using a Hydrosphere, a rubber ball with wing-like paddles. Crossing time of 10hrs 22 minutes. Crazy Crossings

Channel Crossed By Man in “Hydrosphere” DOVER, England (AP). Charles Flourens of Paris succeeded today on his fourth attempt to cross the English channel in his “hydrosphere,” a unique water craft. The “hydrosphere”‘ consists of a ball a foot in diameter, through which a double-ended paddle is passed. Flourens left Cap Grisnez, France, at 10:30 last night and reached Dover harbor at 8:45 a. m. today. The Frenchman, who wore a swimming suit and a pair of gloves, said he was feeling fit and might attempt a return journey later today.