Swimming is a sport that many do not consider a very adventurous activity, much less complex. But what would you think of swimming for 5 months in open sea from Tokyo, Japan to San Francisco, United States, surely you will think it's crazy, but for the French adventurer Ben Lecomte this feat is not something new. Learn about the story of this Adventure swimmer below...
Photo: theplaidzebraIn 1988, Ben became the first man to swim across the Atlantic Ocean without any type of floatation assistance. At that time, the route he followed started at Cape Cod peninsula (USA) and ended at Quiberon beach in Great Britain. On that occasion, Lecomte covered approximately 5,400 kilometers in 72 days.
Photo: Outsideonline17 years after that tremendous feat, Ben is ready to take it to the next level. This time, the route will be different, as he will cross the Pacific Ocean; from Tokyo (Japan) to San Francisco (USA) for almost 5 months covering approximately 8,000 kilometers.
"I will be accompanied by a boat at all times, as I will swim 8 hours a day, and on the boat I can eat and sleep," detailed Lecomte. Additionally, they will be guided by a team on land to provide guidance on suitable currents and weather conditions.
His training routine is very demanding and exhausting. Ben trains three to five hours a day, six days a week. Despite being rigorous with his training, Lecomte emphasizes that at his age, what strengthens him the most are not his muscles but his mental control. The endurance and speed that characterized him in his youth, now at 44 years old, are replaced by his mental and psychological strength that allows him to remain patient and focused.
Photo: Dallasnews
This whole event means a lot to Ben, who has been swimming in rivers, lakes, and seas since he was a child, and who lost his father to cancer. That's why he embarked on his first mission; to raise funds for the fight against cancer in memory of his father.
Photo: OutsideonlineWhat are the reasons for doing it a second time? The first reason is his children, he seeks to motivate them to pursue their passions. Second, to raise awareness among more people about the importance of changing our routines to protect the environment, that's why Ben wants as many people as possible to follow the event and understand the negative impact we are having on our oceans.
You can show your support to Ben HERE
Photo: Red BullIf you practice any Adventure Sport, share your adventures with our community and help promote these sports in Peru
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DeAventura Team
