We have observed that open water swimmers can sleep on a moment’s notice.
On escort boats in the high seas, on docks worldwide, on beaches globally, in short hops and long hauls in airplanes, and ferries anywhere anytime, open water swimmers can fall asleep deeply, comfortably, and immediately.
One moment you are talking to them, and the next moment they are out. For when they are awake, they are bundles of energy: moving, driving, talking, training, stretching, swimming.
But when slumber overtakes them, they are down for the count.
Just as swimmers often have insomnia before major competitions or solo swims of all sorts, so must observers, pilots, and crew members get restful sleep leading up to the days of a competition or swim.
Read here for an interview with several open water swimmers about insomnia and sleep before a major swim.
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.