Edenvale swimmer takes to ocean swim in Cape Town

Dowerglen resident Gloria Britain (63) recently took to the frigid waters of Cape Town when she swam her first ocean swim.

Swimming from Robben Island to Big Bay former Capetonian Gloria swam 8km in 11.5°C water in just under five hours.

The swim was completed on October 22.

Sharing her story Gloria hopes to inspire the community and older adults to dream big and to take on challenges.

ALSO READ: Italian Sporting Club marks 75th anniversary

No stranger to open water swimming Gloria has swum six Midmar Mile races.

She said she wanted to set out to complete the Robben Island to Big Bay crossing as a challenge for herself.

“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, complete a goal and feel some kind of exhilaration by doing something like this.”

Starting her training a year and a half ago Gloria trained with coaches Sue Young and Sue Rider as well as a group of swimmers who will also be swimming the crossing.

“All of these things helped to create a perfect training environment.”

Gloria said although she tried training on her own it was difficult especially when she hit low points.

To prepare for the cold waters Gloria swam through winter while training in an outdoor pool.

“Everyone who has done it will tell you that it is not the distance that is the challenge but rather the cold.

ALSO READ: Emperor’s staff members participate in sporting events

“Weather conditions can lead to swimmers being in the water longer than expected so you have to acclimatise, be cautious of hypothermia and be mentally prepared,” she said.

Gloria said being mentally prepared is one of the most important aspects of the swim.

“As human beings, we like to be in our comfort zones so our bodies love that our minds are comfort zone orientated.

“What needs to be done when attempting something like this is to overcome wanting to stay in the comfort zone.”

Gloria said the swim started beautifully.

“You’re in the ocean, you’re swimming towards the sun so you see the sun rays pierce the water that looks turquoise. Additionally, there is a beautiful view of the other side of Table Mountain, which you do not see anywhere else except while in the water.”

She said it was such a surreal moment being in the ocean after having done all the training.

ALSO READ: Basketball teams hone skills at Edenvale Sports Grounds

Gloria said while doing the crossing she swam alongside a boat with a skipper on board who would monitor her, provide warm refreshments, supplements and ensure she could continue.

Gloria’s daughter was also on the boat encouraging her and supporting her.

While she was swimming Gloria’s daughter would read out messages of encouragement from family and friends who were cheering her on.

Gloria said although the swim started exceptionally well, towards the end it got tougher as the wind picked up and swells came up.

She said at one point she found herself in what she described as a dark place questioning why she was doing the swim.

“It’s really a dark place where you feel like you can’t finish the swim because of the wind, you’re swallowing water. I could see the land but in the water, it felt like it was taking forever.”

Gloria said although she couldn’t place her finger on it, after experiencing her doubt, something inside her changed and she became determined to finish her swim.

ALSO READ: Dunvegan Primary learners have fun at sport festival

“I was adamant to swim the distance right to the end.”Gloria said that she was disorientated from the swim when she arrived on the shore at Big Bay.

“Once I came out of the disorientation initially I couldn’t process what I had done. After my vitals were checked and I started warming up I felt so elated about completing the swim, I was so energised I couldn’t sleep.”

Gloria said in the next year she intends to complete another ocean swim. However, one to create awareness for climate change and global warming.

“I am so aware of it and I notice that at times society does not take it seriously. There is such overwhelming evidence across the world of climate change.”

She said it’s been a cause close to her the swim highlighted it.

“I think as the climate worsens, swimmers, people who love water and rely on the ocean will all be affected.”

Advising others who may be thinking of working towards a dream or a goal, Gloria said one of the most important aspects is commitment.

She encouraged others to commit to their goals and to be consistent about it.