I finally got down and dirty in the Pacific. I had been in LA last April and totally chickened out of swimming as the water was too cold. This time around i was determined not to be a wuss. Me and my mate Al drove out to Venice beach on tuesday and i set off for the water. When I got there i found three things; a syringe – a whole load of dolphins – and a big sign which said No Swimming. We stood around for a while trying to decide whether i should go in or not, but then Al’s friend Scottie joined us and she suggested we drive out to Malibu where the water would be cleaner.
When we got there it was magnificent. We found a stretch of beach that had loads of massive houses on it and no people. It was probably private but there were no signs so i got my swimming shorts on and dived in. By Christ it was cold. But I did it! I survived the temperature, the polution and even the Jaws Moments. I quite fancy the Indian Ocean next, though I believe you cant throw a stone into it without hitting a shark or two.
Al took this pic and though it looks beautiful i cannot tell you how cold it was. 5 years ago
..to LA in December and I am determined to make up for chickening out of a Pacific swim the last time I was there. I’m gonna do it…and will post photographic proof. 5 years ago
I saw an article about a guy who went swimming at the north pole recently. I am shocked, impressed, appalled and fascinated all at the same time. Apparently he had an escort of rifle wielding guards in boats while he was doing it in case polar bears appeared on the scene, or a killer whale mistook him for a rather large and be-speedoed seal. I get Jaws moments in the bath, it must have been terrifying wondering if there was some monster of the deep eyeing him up from the inky black depths.
And what about the horrendous burning pain of the freezing water? I chickened out of swimming in the Pacific because it was a bit nippy! I have a long way to go with this goal. 5 years ago
Ok…heres the deal; Venice beach is a fantastic place. The sand is soft and golden and the waves break onto it like real ocean waves should; loud, proud and capable of sweeping the feet from under you. BUT, every day i have been in LA has been overcast and gloomy. Ridiculous but true. So when i got down there to swim in the Pacific for the first time it was so unappetising that i scaled back my ambitions fom swimming to paddling. This i did. I may not have swum but i was IN the pacific. I feel ok with this. Call me a coward if you will. My feelings on the experience? Cold. Very cold. 6 years ago
Hope this goal doesnt coincide with my wish to see a shark. I’d rather have these achievements seperately if thats okay. And what about the cold ones? Isnt there an Arctic ocean? Or Antarctic? Research required. 6 years ago
If i can do this i will have seen the world. So far i have only swum in the Atlantic. I will be able to add the Pacific in April. 6 years ago
