Raleigh Round Island Challenge - THE SWIM.

So this is it. The last chapter of our epic adventure of 56 adventurous souls conquering 56km around Perhentian Island for Malaysia's 56th year of independence. We leave the calm and secure surroundings of the swimming pool for that endless piece of blue on the east side of the peninsula.

020513 1200 - Touch down on the island. We settled down, had lunch which was followed by a briefing of the rundown of the event, swimming formation, etc. The mood was laid back. Everybody was mingling around and getting to know their swim buddies, to be honest I couldn't wait to jump into the sea to start swimming.

1730 - After a brief photo session, it was time for our 'warm-up' swim. 500 meters of clear sea to be swam for all 55 of my swim buddies. Here we go.

Seconds into my swim, I was thankful that we choose Perhentian for our Round Island Challenge as the underwater view was brilliant. At certain regions I had to switch over from freestyle to breaststroke as the corals were less then a couple of feet from where my face was!

By the time everyone completed their stint, we were greeted by even more breath-taking scenery. At this point everybody, and I do mean everybody, swimmers, crews, even our awesome coach Mr Peh was now pumped up for the actual swim. 

030513 0430 - After a couple of hours of miserably staring at the ceiling (I couldn't sleep at all) it was time for breakfast.

0530 - Here we were, on the beach, looking on at the massive pool of icy darkness, sending off the first group of swimmers. My shift was from 0930 to 1330, so I would be able to enjoy the gift of sunlight while swimming. These guys however, didn't. So hats off the these brave swimmers!

1230 - It was my time to hit the sea. I was a turtle in a group of sharks, and my job was to keep up. Now the tension starts to kick in. After stretching and warming up, we went out to the boat that was trailing the swimmers from the first shift.

WOOSH! My senses seemed sharpened as I dove into the sea to start my shift. I felt every wave, every change of temperature, every sting from the sea lice around me as I swam on. 

10 minutes in the sea felt like 10 days. The heat from the afternoon sun, the soreness in my muscles, the bone-drying thirst, the ruthless battering of the waves and the massive gap between the lead swimmers and I all point to my early retirement from the challenge. 

But you see I have been training for this challenge since last August, and for me to stop now would be the greatest disappointment of my life. I knew it was going to be a LONG swim, but at that moment I would rather die swimming than emerge from the water before I finished my part. 

I just had to keep going.

And next you know, I heard cheers from the support boats. The relief I felt, and I believe so did all the others, was overwhelming. Fueled by the support from my teammates, the last 100 meters felt smooth and easy.

6 months ago, 300 meters in the pool was enough to put my fumes out.

I just swam 3 kilometers in the deep blue sea.

How's that for an adventure?

By: One of the swimmers ;)