A record-setting swim

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While many have driven the length of Okanagan Lake once or twice, few have tried swimming it. Now one American man is going to attempt to break a record doing it.

 

Michigan-based ultra-distance triathlete Adam Ellenstein will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the fastest north-to-south non-stop swim of Okanagan Lake, July 25-26.

“I am motivated to compete at extreme distances by a desire to challenge my mental and physical being every day,” says Ellenstein. “The race is just one day. If you do not enjoy the training as much as you enjoy the racing, it is not worth it.”

Starting in Vernon on July 25, Ellenstein will swim 105 kilometres, without stopping, with plans to arrive on shore in Penticton on July 26.

He estimates the swim will take him 40 hours.

A crew of 16 people, motorized boats and safety kayaks, including his wife and crew chief, Amelia Ellenstein, will accompany Ellenstein on his swim.

“Because of the extreme distance and non-stop activity, events like this cannot happen without a crew,” said Ellenstein.

“There is no way I could do it alone. While on the surface, it sounds like a solo attempt, it is really a team sport. My training puts me in a position to succeed, and the crew keeps me fueled, on course and filled with love. Success in these events is all about the crew.”

Ellenstein, 39, is an accomplished ultra-distance athlete who has successfully completed Ironman (226 kilometres) and UltraMan (515 km) triathlons.

He is a solo Race Across America qualifier (644 km) and last year he completed a 30 km swim across Lake Winnipeg in preparation for his upcoming attempt.

A Guinness World Records adjudicator will evaluate evidence which includes videos, photos, independent-witness statements and a GPS tracking log to verify and confirm whether Ellenstein establishes a new Guinness World Records title.

This is a new record category for Guinness World Records and Ellenstein will be the first to set it. Guinness just requires he complete the swim in less than 96 hours.  

Fans can follow Ellenstein as he trains and receive updates during the race on the VictorySwim105 Facebook page and use the hashtag ”#VictorySwim105” when posting to social media.

VictorySwim105 will also raise awareness and support to benefit those with Parkinson’s disease through a partnership with the Davis Phinney Foundation. 

The Foundation’s mission is to help people with Parkinson’s to live well.

For this reason, Ellenstein considers this his most meaningful endurance challenge to date.  

“The swim has a greater meaning than simply going out to test my endurance limits," he said.

“I am swimming to support and honour my aunt, Susan Scarlett, who has Parkinson's disease. To her own amazement, she is training to swim portions of the swim with me. We hope people with Parkinson’s, their caregivers and their loved ones will also be empowered to take up the challenge.”

If you are interested in donating to the cause visit my.davisphinneyfoundation.org/victoryswim105 .