Swimming Across the Pacific: A Fool's Errand or a Feasible Feat?
So, you're thinking about swimming from California to Japan, huh? Well, let's dive right in (pun intended).
The Pacific Ocean: A Big, Salty Swimming Pool
First off, the Pacific Ocean is huge. Like, really, really huge. It's basically a big, salty swimming pool that could swallow up all the world's bath tubs and still have room for a water slide. So, if you're planning on doing breaststroke the whole way, you might want to reconsider your life choices.
How Long Would It Actually Take?
Now, let's get down to brass tacks. How long would it actually take to swim from California to Japan? Well, it depends. If you're Michael Phelps on steroids and have a personal jet stream pushing you along, maybe a few weeks. But for the rest of us mortals, it's more like a year or two. And that's assuming you don't get eaten by a shark, run out of snacks, or develop a crippling fear of the open ocean.
The Logistics Are a Nightmare
Let's talk logistics. You're going to need a lot of supplies. Food, water, sunscreen, and a really good waterproof playlist are just the start. You'll also need a support crew, a boat to follow you, and probably a therapist to deal with the inevitable cabin fever. Oh, and don't forget about the whole "where do you go to the bathroom?" issue.
The Mental Game
Swimming across the Pacific isn't just a physical challenge, it's a mental one too. Imagine staring at nothing but blue for months on end. You'll have plenty of time to contemplate your life choices and whether or not you should have taken up knitting instead.
How to...
- How to prepare for a swim across the Pacific: Start by winning an Olympic gold medal in swimming. Then, buy a really big life jacket.
- How to stay sane during a transpacific swim: Bring a good book, a deck of cards, and a friend with unlimited data.
- How to avoid sharks: Become a vegetarian. Or, you know, just don't swim at night.
- How to pack for a transpacific swim: Bring everything. Seriously, everything.
- How to find motivation to swim across the Pacific: Imagine the epic Instagram post you could make when you finish.