Issataya Bredell, Inspirational Paddler Helping Others
Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California. When Brenton Williams does another butterfly swim, it is newsworthy.
But at his side during training swims is a young selfless paddler, Issataya Bredell. She patiently watches over him and looks ahead in the 14ºC waters of Marina Martinique.
Bredell is typical of a South African paddlers and crew members.
Around Robben Island with its cold water, currents and marine wildlife, crew members are always there between Robben Island and Cape Town.
The volunteer support crew members are in Jeffreys Bay, situated on the South African southern coast with its waves and cold fronts that batter its coastline. The crew takes on the challenge of paddling in sub-15ºC water during winter in the nearby Marina Martinique.
Williams describes their dedication with Bredell in mind. “They are not doing it by themselves. The future generation of cold water swimmers are involved and committed. They paddle to support their mentors. Issayata is one of these youngsters. Every time the established crew of Jeffreys Bay open water swimmers enter the cold waters of Marina Martinique, Issayata is there, knowing that one day she will be in the water challenging the cold.”
Copyright © 2016 by World Open Water Swimming Association
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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