Open water swimming, whether done by channel swimmers enduring the cold or triathletes in wetsuits, invites an opportunity. Our thoughts on why and how open water swimming is unique in the endurance sports and athletic world are posted here.
Open water swimming at any level creates opportunities to extend yourself mentally and physically further than you thought possible. The sport enables athletes to see how far one’s body and mind can be stretched to reach a specific goal – and then transfer that new confidence to activities on terra firma. After the obstacles are faced and overcome, the athlete emerges at the other end with a reinvigorated and rejuvenated feeling of accomplishment.
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.