A Renaissance man is often applied to the gifted people of the Renaissance era (from the 14th to 17th century) who sought to develop their full intellectual, artistic, social and physical capabilities. The term often describes the great thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Francis Bacon. So if that term was used to define individual in the contemporary open water swimming world, what would the term encompass? If a modern-day man (or woman) can do all things in the open water while embodying the tenant that humans are limitless in their capacities, what would they accomplish? Here are some considerations for a contemporary Renaissance Man in the open water swimming world: 1. Participate in organized open water swimming competitions. 2. Sponsor or organize an open water swimming event. 3. Serve as a volunteer in a charity swim. 4. Complete a channel swim. 5. Serve as a kayaker, paddler, pilot or escort crew member in a marathon swim. 6. Coach or serve as a mentor to other open water swimmers. 7. Publish or video information to educate open water swimmers. 8. Plan or attempt an unprecedented swim somewhere around the world. 9. Participate in a marathon relay, an ice swim, or some multi-sport race that includes a swim leg. 10. Inspire through speeches or actions. Who may those individuals be in today’s world? Here are but a few: * Pádraig Mallon (Ireland) * Darren Miller (U.S.A.) [shown above] * Masayuki Moriya (Japan) * Penny Dean (U.S.A.) * Antonio Argüelles (Mexico) * Vito Bialla (U.S.A.) * Kim Chambers (New Zealand) * Grace van der Byl (U.S.A.) * Wayne Riddin (South Africa) * Lynne Cox (U.S.A.) * Nora Toledano (Mexico) © 2014 Daily News of Open Water Swimming “to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“ A World Open Water Swimming Federation project.