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- Title
Characteristics of a Polar Bear Swim Champion - The Challenges of San Francisco Bay Winter Swimming.
- Authors
Nuckton, Thomas J.; Schatz, Stephen P.; Crow, Brendan T.; Matthay, Michael A.; Nogue, John A.
- Abstract
In this report we discuss the characteristics of a 56-year-old man who, as part of a record- matching Polar Bear Challenge swimming event, swam a remarkable 356 cumulative miles without a wetsuit in the San Francisco Bay over a 3-month period in winter (December 21, 2012 to March 21, 2013; water temperature range: 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) to 12.9 °C (55.2 °F)). The swimmer had a recreational swimming background and was not overweight or obese. At time points before, during, and after (November to August) the winter swim period, his body mass index (BMI) ranged from 22.7 to 23.2 kg/m² (normal BMI: 18.5 to 25.0 kg/m²). His % body fat (measured range: 17.6 to 20.7%) was consistently below the American 50th percentile for age (23.2%). 4 days after the winter swim period his resting pulse was 54 bpm. Serum total cholesterol was near normal (borderline high) and was not substantially different before (200 mg/dl) compared to after (212 mg/dl) swimming consistently in cold water for 3 months. During the winter swim period the swimmer contracted severe shingles, which added to an already challenging experience. Because he was relatively lean, he likely did not have substantial protection from core hypothermia. Rather, the swimmer's ability to swim in cold water was related to a combination of experience, acclimatization, access to warm showers and saunas, mental fortitude, and most importantly, a swim strategy that limited time in the water per swim.
- Subjects
SWIMMERS' health; SWIMMING; BATHING suits; BODY mass index; SPORTS
- Publication
Journal of Swimming Research, 2016, Vol 24, Issue 1, p19
- ISSN
0747-5993
- Publication type
Article