Ram Barkai, one of the speakers at the 2010 Global Open Water Swimming Conference in Long Beach, California, is also the sponsor of the tough 7.5K Cadiz Freedom Swim in South Africa. How tough? 7.5K in 13°C (55°F) – or lower – water…in traditional open water swimming garb from the famous Robben Island to Big Bay in Cape Town.
It is truly an extreme test of preparation and strength, both mental and physical, but the field is expected to reach 350 swimmers this year.
As Ram advises, “Training is the most difficult and nauseous part of cold-water attempts.”
“It reminds me to respect the cold water with every stroke. When you are swimming on the edge of the human’s ability to cope, you have no idea when your body may give in to the cold.”
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