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 it rocked back and forth by the pounding surf to...
Thank you for posting this! You perfectly capture why you do what you do, and you make it sound really appealing. I have been curious about open water swimming for a while, and your passion makes me want to try it. May you exceed your goals! Keep ...
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.
This interview was conducted shortly after Chapman swam the English Channel back in 1981. I've been trying to track him down for years because I want to speak to him about his personal training for the Channel as I too will be attempting a crossin...
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 crossing of The Channel his coach, (who is seen swimmin...
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 t...
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.
Wow Naji: - That is very informative. Karen Rogers is incredible - and she is right in her comparison - I agree with her and you. BUT together we are going to change those odds and those statistics. We are going to grow our olympic swimmers in org...
Kathleen you are an inspiration also! One day you and I will swim from AT&T park back to Aquatic Park (one of my favorite distance swims). It never dawned on me to think of homeless children as potential drowning victims, but your absolutely right...
Naji:
You are an inspiration to all......old, young, black, white, Asian, Hispanic.....the list goes on!
I have an understanding somewhat in my arena of swimming: I am 65, a grandmother, and a woman of size. I show up for US Master's pool competit...
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.
On Friday November 6th, I had the honor of sitting down and talking with one of the open water's swimming royalty, Karen Rogers. If you don't know who she is, then you should try and find out. Karen is one of the most accomplished open water swimm...
Devoted open water endurance swimmer who wants to share the beauty of this world to low income African American and Latino youth. It would be nice to see kids go beyond the pool and dream of swimming the Channel or other marathon swims.
Although, I am excited when I see Black folks learning to swim in the pool it occurs to me that many accomplished pool swimmers find open water a place that is far out of their comfort zone. I feel it is essential that one be able to be around a natural body of water (i.e. lake, Bay or ocean) and feel just as comfortable as they would in the pool.
For many the main issues of not swimming in open water are; the cold, salty taste, not being able to touch the bottom, and aquatic life. But all of these hesitations can be overcome. I am hoping to bring a diverse group of men and women together to show the beauty of swimming in nature and enjoying the wonders of two-thirds of this world.
I'm happy that more and more people of color are taking up scuba diving and the like, but I'm hoping to connect with others on this site about introducing kids and adults of color to long-distance swimming.
Hi Naji,
Thank You So Much for the extended invitation, and I promise to take you up on your offer whenever I am in San Francisco area. I would really love to share with the rest of DAP about the experience. It is my ultimate goal to learn how to scuba dive, parasail, and surf. I have tried water skiing, which I love tremendously, but wish I had access to do that more often. Take Care Naji, and will keep in touch with you from time to time. Darrick, aka dswimmerman
Hi Naji,
Wow, Your profile was very interesting to say the least. First of all, welcome to the site and so happy to have you aboard. Please continue to encourage not only children, but all of us, who are shallow minded thinkers and swimmers, about exploring aquatic recreatioanal, competitive, or distance swimming beyond the boundaries of a swimming pool. I must admit My Brother, I am one of those who have never considered swimming in the open ocean due to the inhabitants of salt water, like sharks, and other dangerous species that have kept me away. Another facet of my fears is due to watching such shows as "Untamed and Uncut", as well as those scary stories we read and hear about attacks in salt water. I must say from viewing your photos that you are truly an inspiration to attempt such a swim, with others, in open waters just for the experience. I applaud you for what you do, and I encourage you to continue encouraging others the way you do. May God continue to Bless You, and that He Find Favor in your endeavors. Take Care Naji. Darrick, aka dswimmerman
Thank you Naji - I agree with you that we need to change our views a bout people of color especially our children learning to become water safe and learning how to swim. I too believe that swimming is a life skill. Together we can make a difference. This past April I began swimming lessons myself (I finally got the courage) and I am learning to enjoy the water. My learning to swim in The Josh Project is a true testimony for the children and the parents. I thank GOD for the courage and the Mission. Peace, love & blessings to you......Josh's Mom (will you please join the Josh Project Group?)