The global open water swimming world is rapidly becoming more and more environmentally friendly as race directors and swimmers are collectively understanding the impact of their activities on the oceans, lakes and waterways of the world.
From solo swimmers in Lake Tahoe to the oceans of the world, those most passionate about protecting our Earth are leading the way and becoming more aggressive in leaving behind as little impact on the environment as possible.
Doug Woodring, one of the most active personalities in the sport who is creatively meshing together the open water swimming world with environmental initiatives, launched the concept of carbon-neutral relays at the 15 km Clean Half Marathon Swim in Hong Kong.
A carbon-neutral open water relay or swim has a net zero carbon footprint. Carbon-neutral relays or carbon-neutral swims rely entirely on human power for escorts as opposed to motorized boats. Escorts includes individuals who use outrigger canoes, kayaks and/or paddle boards only.
The trend will continue and it will be interesting to see how race directors and swimmers become increasingly even more green, swimming in complete tune with their environment.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.