MYSWIM seas & oceans

Seas & Oceans swims

The variety of sea and ocean swims around the world means there is a near endless supply of adventure! From the warm waters of the Mediterranean to the chilly waters of the North channel, the intriguing tides around the beautiful island of Jersey and not to forget the blue ribbon event of the English channel or the iconic Catalina channel. With 71% of our planet covered by seas and ocean we have spoken to people who are passionate about their particular sea or ocean swim from different perspectives and they explain why it is so special and what it takes to conquer the challenges these waters bring.

Check out the MYSWIM specific artwork that captures the essence of the swims.

Around Jersey Swim With Sally Minty-Gravett MBE

In this episode we explore the why, the what, the how and the when of an around island swim of the uk channel island of jersey with experience multi English Channel and jersey island swimmer Sally Minty Gravett MBE.

We explore with Sally the following:

WHY

What was your journey upto the swim? Where has the love of swimming come from?
For you as an individual Why is it so special? Has your love for it grown over the years and times you’ve done it?

WHAT (Information about the swim)

Metrics about the swim (36 miles tidally assisted, start and finish point)
What Training and preparation of the swim would you typically do? And how is it structured ( that works for you would you recommend any variations for some else?)
Can you tell us more about the popular SMG training camps run in the beautiful settings that Jersey offers could you tell us a bit about that (time of year, format, whose it for,where you swim)

HOW

We talk through the swim itself stage by stage
What are some of the most successful Feeding plans you’ve used or seen used for this swim?
Any crew recommendations (size of crew, types of character, crew roles)
Would you change anything about the swim?

WHEN (The admin bit!)

When does the swim take place?
How can you book,who to contact and what are the rough costs involved?

Fictitious swim off challenge

Tony the Tiger VERSUS Barlow Bear

Information referenced:

www.swimwithsal.com

www.jerseyseaswims.org

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The Ocean 7 with Andy Donaldson

Ever wondered what it takes to complete Open water swimming’s Ocean 7, understanding the challenges both mentally and physically? Well today’s extraordinary guest contemplated the same dream but went above and beyond to pushed the boundaries of human endurance by targeting all seven swims in under a year and used their incredible achievements to make an impact on mental health support. Today we talk through THE WHAT, WHY, HOW AND WHO with the incredible multiple world record holder Andy Donaldson

What is the Ocean 7? The Ocean seven a globally recognized marathon swimming challenge devised in 2008 to push swimmers to conquer seven varied and challenging channels around the world with the intention of being swimming’s equivalent of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.

It is a collection of swims not without controversy as other equally challenging swims vie to be on the prestigious list but it has remained consistent since its concept and in The recognised list of swims as it stands in 2023are:

The North Channel: between Ireland and Scotland, 21 miles (34 km)
The Cook Strait: between New Zealand’s North and South Islands, 16 miles (26 km)
The Molokaʻi Channel : between Moloka’i and O’ahu, 27 miles (44 km)
The English Channel: between England and France, 21 miles (34 km)
The Catalina Channel: between Santa Catalina Island and Los Angeles, 20 miles (32 km)
The Tsugaru Strait: between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, 12 miles (20 km)
The Strait of Gibraltar: between Spain and Morocco, 10 miles (16 km)

Do not let the distance or location fool you into one being easier than another. As we find out from Andy they each have their individual challenges. each with a unique aquatic finger print! Each with the ability to misbehave!

I was fortunate enough to meet Andy at the recently formed Ultra Swim 33.3 event in Montenegro. A fantastically organised event in a beautiful location that I will be doing a separate podcast about in the coming weeks and will leave links to future events in the show notes.

Andy is no ordinary swimmer now holds multiple British and World records for his completed Ocean seven achievements not least being the first to complete the challenge in less than a calendar year as well as cumulatively having the fastest time for the seven swims. But Andy's journey doesn't stop there. Alongside his awe-inspiring athletic pursuits, he has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for mental health. Using his swim challenges to push the limits to get positive change to how mental health and well being is talked about and how support is provided. Having had the privilege of being able to delve into the mindset the is extraordinary individual I cannot think of a better ambassador for open water swimming and champion for mental health support and awareness.

My conversation with Andy took place on a stunning beach in the picturesque country of Montenegro between swims at the 33.3 event and I urge those listening to this on audio to visit the MYSWIM.uk YouTube channel, available through links on the MYSWIM.uk website to see the relax beaty of our podcast surroundings.

Although the sound quality may not be on par with a pristine sound studio and you might hear the gentle crashing of waves, the sound of pebbles and the distant laughter of beach goers, a creaking parasol in the gentle breeze. I know you’ll appreciate I’m finding it hard to apologise for being outside in such a stunning location and embrace the ambient sounds of nature over the perfection of a studio – for me this was the perfect studio.

So pull up a chair next to Andy and I , Close your eyes , imagine the breathtaking view, feel the warmth of the sun, and let the atmosphere of this beach in Montenegro ignite your imagination. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and moved as we uncover the depths of his incredible journey.