Where Hypothermia Is A Reality
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.”
Copyright © 2010 by Open Water Source
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.
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