Steven Munatones (63, USA, MSF bio here, @steven.munatones) completed the Swim Shōdoshima（スイム小豆島) event in six days. “There was a bit of worry as two typhoons were passing through Japan in the beginning, but we got through that and then simply had to be patient and swim steadily. With Chris Morgan, Jessie Salas (@coachjsalas), and Skyler Munatones at my side and IMSHOF Honor Swimmer Yuko Matsuzaki (63, Japan, MSF bio here) serving as the observer throughout the swim, we saw and swam by all kinds of small, uninhabited islands along the way.

It is always a great feeling to swim in areas where no one has swum before. It is the art of true exploration and adventure. I love these experiences, especially when the landscape and seascapes are so dramatically scenic with family and close friends.”

Swim Shōdoshima Results

• Day 1: 15.23 km in 3 hours 49 minutes 29 seconds
• Day 2: 13.59 km in 3 hours 32 minutes 59 seconds
• Day 3: 15.37 km in 4 hours 23 minutes 55 seconds
• Day 4: 16.01 km in 3 hours 37 minutes 26 seconds
• Day 5: 10.61 km in 2 hours 24 minutes 36 seconds
• Day 6: 2.6 km in 34 minutes 24 seconds
• Total Distance: 73.61 km
• Total Cumulative Time: 18 hours 22 minutes 49 seconds

The event was covered by Nishinippon Broadcasting and Setonaikai Broadcasting.

Being in Japan, there were all kinds of unique experiences that the team enjoyed on dryland. Great memories have been made.

Day Six Video Update: to be uploaded shortly

Preparation and Training

• Pool swimming: I did 2-3 hour swims in the pool at least 5 times per week, just swimming with a low heart rate at a range of 1:26 – 1:32 pace per 100 meters in a long-course pool in Southern California. I was always under 110 beats per minute and was aiming for swimming steadily with fewer than 100 bpm.
• Ocean swimming: I did 30 minute – 2.5-hour swims in rough afternoon seas or early morning surf 4-6 times per week.
• KAATSU recovery: I used my own KAATSU equipment after every pool and ocean workout, using the KAATSU Cycle mode for 20-40 minutes to flush out lactate and metabolic waste as soon as possible.
• Hydration and Feedings: I never drink or eat anything during any pool or ocean workouts. I simply swam steadily because I wanted to be prepared should I have to swim in difficult conditions without hydration – which is exactly what happened during the first 3 days of Swim Shōdoshima.
• Logistics: Very importantly, I visited the island 4 times to prepare. I had to request and seek the permission of the Japanese Coast Guard, six different fishermen’s cooperative unions, four different ferry companies, and the local police and fire departments. I prepared written documents and answered numerous questions because the local Japanese have not traditionally swum in these areas.

Shōdoshima

Shōdoshima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea within hours of Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto by car and/or train, and ferry.

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