So You Wanna Swim from Cuba to Florida, Hon? How Many Have Done It Before?
Let's face it, the Florida Straits aren't exactly a local pool. It's a sharky, choppy, 110-mile gauntlet between two countries with a history as dramatic as a telenovela. So, if you're dreaming of a refreshing dip from Havana to Key West, you might be wondering: Has anyone else done this crazy thing?
The Short Answer (for the Impatient): Not exactly a swimming pool party, but a select few have conquered the Straits.
The Long Answer (for the Curious): There have likely been fewer people who've swum Cuba to Florida than there have been astronauts who've walked on the moon. We know of at least three successful swims, but the murky waters of history might hold a few unknown fins kicking their way across the current.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
- The OG Swimmers: Walter Poenisch (respect to the senior set!) in 1978 and Susie Maroney (way to go, youth!) in 1997 both braved the Straits, but with some help from shark cages (think giant metal fish babysitters).
- The Not-So-Lone Wolf: The legendary Diana Nyad in 2013 became the first (well, according to some) to complete an "unassisted" swim - meaning no cage, but with a support crew, fancy jellyfish suit, and shark repellent. (The debate over what constitutes "unassisted" is a whole other telenovela we won't dive into here.)
So, How Hard is This Really? Imagine trying to outrun a grumpy toddler in a pool filled with angry sharks while being stung by jellyfish the size of dinner plates. Yeah, it's not a leisurely Sunday afternoon float. This is an epic feat of endurance, requiring months of training, a dollop of insanity, and nerves of steel.
Important Side Note: Unless you're a pro swimmer with a team of marine biologists and a sponsor who makes Michael Phelps look like a pauper, this is probably NOT for you. There's a whole ocean (pun intended) of other ways to enjoy the Florida sunshine.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
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| How Many Have Swam From Cuba To Florida |
FAQ: You Asked, We (Maybe) Answered
How to train for a Cuba-to-Florida swim? Unless you're already an Olympic-level swimmer, this isn't a DIY project. Find a qualified coach who specializes in open water swimming (and maybe anger management for dealing with jellyfish).
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How to avoid sharks? This is a tricky one. Maybe wear bright yellow? Sing show tunes really loudly? Honestly, best bet is to consult a shark expert (not your uncle Steve who saw "Jaws" once).
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
How long does it take to swim from Cuba to Florida? For the successful swimmers, it's been anywhere from 42 to 53 hours. So basically, like watching all the extended editions of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy...in the ocean.
How much does it cost to swim from Cuba to Florida? A small fortune. Think boat rentals, safety crew, jellyfish suits (those things aren't cheap!), and enough protein bars to feed a small village.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
How many jellyfish will I get stung by? Let's just say you'll develop a newfound appreciation for Benadryl.
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