Outside The Box

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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: 13
Latest Activity: Dec 8

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

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.

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.

Open Water: Why do it...are you nuts??!! 1 Reply

The first reaction I get from folks when I tell them I'm a marathon swimmer is, "Are you nuts?" I shake my head calmly and tell them it is a wonderful feeling to swim in the open water. But they stil…

Started by Naji. Last reply by Angela Gray Nov 29.

"Two Swimmers" Trailer

This is the story of a young swimmer and his coach as they attempt to cross the English Channel in the summer of 2005 and the dramatic events that follow. After the young swimmer's successful crossin…

Started by Naji Nov 18.

Comment Wall

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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

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