WE ATTEMPTED THE DEADLY SWIM (Alcatraz to San Francisco)
Kara and Nate・19 minutes read
Individuals overcame common phobias like heights and snakes by facing extreme fears through physical challenges like swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco, with swimmers encountering initial struggles but ultimately finding rhythm and support to successfully complete the swim. The risk of hypothermia and panic during the swim was balanced by the immense support from people on the beach, highlighting the importance of perseverance and community in overcoming challenges.
Insights
- Overcoming common phobias and extreme fears can be achieved through facing physical challenges and logical preparation, as seen in the example of swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco.
- Support and encouragement from others play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate and conquer their fears, showcasing the power of community in overcoming daunting challenges.
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Recent questions
What are common phobias?
Heights, public speaking, spiders, snakes.
What is a phobia?
Extreme fear or aversion.
What physical challenges inspired the swim?
Biking across Iowa, climbing Mount Everest.
How did the swimmers prepare for the swim?
Wetsuit, neoprene socks, body glide, goggles, swim cap, earplugs.
What risks did the swimmers face during the swim?
Hypothermia, forced back into the boat.
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Summary
00:00
Conquering Fear: Alcatraz Swim Challenge
- Common phobias include heights, public speaking, spiders, snakes.
- Phobia defined as extreme fear or aversion.
- Facing fear of swimming in murky water by swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco.
- Inspired by physical challenges like biking across Iowa and climbing Mount Everest.
- Offer to organize Alcatraz swim received via email.
- Research to logically prove safety before the swim.
- Visit to Alcatraz prison, now a museum.
- Preparation for swim with wetsuit, neoprene socks, body glide, goggles, swim cap, and earplugs.
- Safety briefing before the swim.
- Initial struggle with cold water, waves, and panic during the swim, but gradually finding rhythm and overcoming challenges.
17:00
Swimmers overcome challenges with beach support
- The swimmers faced the risk of hypothermia if they took too long to cross the water, with the possibility of being forced back into the boat.
- The swimmers were immensely grateful for the support they received from people on the beach, including coffee, pastries, and puppy snuggles, which helped them through the challenging swim.
- One swimmer struggled with panic and breathing issues during the swim, finding it hard to maintain a normal swimming rhythm until the second half of the swim.
- The swimmers experienced different phases during the swim, with one facing panic and exhaustion while the other felt motivated by the social pressure of people watching, leading to a successful finish despite physical challenges.
