Grace van der Byl won the first stage on Day One of the S.C.A.R. Swim Challenge in Saguaro Lake in Arizona this morning.
“It was beautiful, really beautiful. Water was clean with the water temperature between 20-22ºC (68-72ºF). The scenery around the lake was amazing with 10-foot cactus all around,” recalls the fast channel swimmer.
“There was a bit of a delay as we lost the trail on the way down to the lake. People were slipping down the trails, but everyone finished.
The race was so well-organized. There were extra kayakers out on the course for safety and 2 pontoon boats and 2 cigar boats assisting. There was tons of support.”
Grace van der Byl finished well ahead in first in 2 hours 50 minutes in the 9.5-mile stage. “I am a little sore, but feeling good. I so much prefer swimming in the ocean and salt water anytime. But I felt good in the lake, I stayed in the lower threshold going out. But they say that the water will be getting colder as we swim in the more northern parts of the lakes in the next few days.”
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