So You Want to Swim from Cuba to Florida? How Many Have Done It Before You (Assuming You're Not a Shark Magnet)?
Ever looked out at the ocean and thought, "Man, I could totally swim that"? Yeah, us neither. But apparently, some people are built different (or maybe just have a serious aversion to airplanes). That brings us to the question: how many folks have taken the plunge and attempted the epic Cuba-to-Florida swim?
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| How Many Swimmers Swam From Cuba To Florida |
The Short Answer (For the Non-Swimmers Out There)
Not many. Like, really not many. This ain't exactly a weekend dip in the kiddie pool.
The Long Answer (Because We Know You Like a Challenge)
There's actually some debate about this. Officially, only one person, Diana Nyad, is documented to have completed the swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. She did this epic feat in 2013 at the ripe old age of 64, proving that age is just a number (as long as that number is relatively high and you're in fantastic shape).
However, there are whispers of a few other challengers. Walter Poenisch supposedly made the trip in 1978, but with the help of a little shark cage (coward!) and some rest breaks on his support boat (cheater!). There's also Susie Maroney who swam the Straits of Florida in 1997, but again, with the whole shark cage thing.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
So, depending on your definition of "unassisted swim," the number ranges from a cool one (Diana Nyad, the champion) to a maybe two or three (including the cage-dwellers).
Important Side Note: We strongly advise against attempting this swim yourself unless you're packing some serious endurance, a phobia of airplanes, and a team of people willing to follow you around in a boat for days while dodging jellyfish and potentially grumpy sharks.
Fun Facts That May or May Not Be Entirely Relevant
- The distance between Cuba and Florida is roughly 110 miles, which is about the same length as 160 football fields. But with sharks and strong currents, it feels more like 160,000 miles of pure terror.
- Dolphins are cool, but they're not here to be your swimming buddies on this journey. Sorry to break it to you.
- Packing a swimsuit is a must. Duh.
How To FAQs: Because Maybe You're Not Quite Ready to Swim, But Still Curious
How to Train for a Cuba-to-Florida Swim?
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Unless you're already an Olympic-level swimmer, this might not be the best starter project. But hey, aim high, right? We recommend building up your endurance swims gradually, befriending a team of marine biologists, and maybe investing in a good suit of armor (just in case).
How to Avoid Sharks During Your Swim?
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Good question! There's no guaranteed method, but bright colors are generally a bad idea (think: tasty fish bait). Loud music might work, but then you risk scaring away the dolphins (your only potential cheerleaders). Maybe just hope for the best and bring a really big stick?
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How to Pack for a Long Swim?
Sunscreen is essential (unless you enjoy resembling a burnt lobster). Snacks are key, but avoid anything that might attract sharks (think: anything delicious). Entertainment is crucial – maybe some waterproof audiobooks or a really long playlist (one that won't make you want to give up halfway through).
How Long Does it Take to Swim from Cuba to Florida?
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
For the average human without a shark cage (or fins, in Poenisch's case), we're looking at somewhere between 40 and 60 hours. That's a long time to be treading water.
How Do I Get Back to Cuba After My Epic Swim?
Great question! Maybe a celebratory plane ride? Just don't forget to pack some fresh clothes (because, ew).
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