Consider, for example, that the water temperature is generally a very cold 60 degrees or so and that, according to accepted rules, wet suits are not allowed. Another daunting factor is the distance. Even through a straight swim at the shortest point across the Channel would cover 22.5 miles, water dcurrents push swimmers sideways, first in one direction, then in another.

Daunting most nearly means:
___
A. daring

B. surprising

C. intimidating

D. encouraging