Diversity in Aquatics

Naji

Outside The Box

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Outside The Box

For those with a passion, interest or curiosity about open water swimming and who wish to talk about how to get more people of color informed and involved in long distance swimming.

Members: 14
Latest Activity: Feb 3

Charles "Tuna" Chapman: A Fish in water!

One reason why I go into long distance swimming was because of one man - Charles "Tuna" Chapman the first African American to swim the English Channel (EC) in 1981, and the 220 overall at that point. Charlie The Tuna as he was called by friends and family was also the only person ever to swim from Aquatic Park to Alcatraz Island and back using only the butterfly stroke! When he made his 12 hour EC crossing it came 106 years after the first man - Captain Matthew Webb - did it and one year after Los Angeles Dodger's General manager, Al Campanis, said blacks didn't have the buoyancy to swim. But enough of me telling the story of this amazing man please

click here and listen to him in his own words.
Enjoy!

Discussion Forum

Naji

It Begins.

For the past week I have begun - in earnest - training for a big swim at the end of May. About three weeks ago my good friend and coach, Karen Rogers swam from the Richmond Bridge to a small beach co…

Started by Naji Jan 28.

Naji

Happy Holidays From a member of The South End Rowing Club! 1 Reply

Many people look on with odd looks when they find out that I swim in open water. Then they're eyes widen when I say it warms to - at best - 60F in the summer and as low as 48F in the winter. They can…

Started by Naji. Last reply by Wanda Jean Butts Dec. 22, 2009.

Naji

Swim Into Hell

Sometimes I wonder if I have gone completely insane. My love for open water has compelled me to look for swimming ventures that no one else would dare try (i.e The Cook Strait). Now I feel a new chal…

Started by Naji Dec. 8, 2009.

Naji

Black Water Rising: My Training for The Cook Strait

I stood on the deck and watched the waves break against the wooden steps that would lead to the beach. As I looked out over Aquatic Park the swells were quite strong and the creaking of the dock as…

Started by Naji Nov. 29, 2009.

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Thaddeus Gamory Comment by Thaddeus Gamory on November 13, 2009 at 10:18am
Hey Naji,

Congratulations on completing your first marathon swim, that is truly an amazing accomplishment. Though I am a swimming coach and Triathlete who promotes, encourages and coordinates open water swim workouts and competition, I have yet to swim beyond 1.2 miles in an open water competition myself. I'm inspired by your example (and that of Charlie the Tuna, wow) and will register for my first 5K Swim, at the Swim Miami Open water event, in Key Biscayne Florida, April 17, 2010.
Thaddeus
Kathleen Lawrence Comment by Kathleen Lawrence on September 29, 2009 at 1:11pm
Hi, Naji:
this is the 65 year old grannie from Arizona who swam Alcatraz to San Francisco for drowning prevention. You can check out my website: www.granniegatorhead.wordpress.com
Thank you all you do!
Kathleen
 

Members (14)

Naji Wanda Jean Butts Kathleen Lawrence Jayson Jackson Darrick Linton Angela Gray Shaun Anderson Jennifer Galvin Mark Rauterkus Inkwell Surf John Cruzat Robeson White Thaddeus Gamory Jenny Levison
 
 

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