How Are Open Water Swimmers Like Programmers?
Open water swimmers come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life and from various cultures and backgrounds.
Whether they specialize in ice swimming, ocean swimming, channel swimming, stage swimming or marathon swimming, they all have one common denominator: they do what most humans do not do – or cannot fathom to do.
When an open water swimmer sees a lake, they wonder how far it is to the other side. When an open water swimmer gazes towards the horizon while standing on the seashore, they wonder what the water temperature is. When an open water swimmer goes to a new body of water somewhere around the world, they wonder if anyone else has crossed it before.
They just think differently than those who do not own a pair of goggles or togs. They are wired differently. They ponder the seemingly impossible.
Like computer programmers.
Programmers and open water swimmers both look at things differently. They wonder what is possible and do not worry about the limitations assumed by others. They figure out how to get it done. They set a goal and go about trying to achieve that goal. They may fail the first, second or even the third time, but their minds never waver from their goal. They are generally both patient and passionate, devoted and dedicated to their chosen endeavors.
Programmers and open water swimmers are both motivated by various reasons, from a personal challenge to seeking profit. They can be competitive with each other, but they also are willing to help each other and establish a kindred spirit and camaraderie that is tight-knit. They both have an advanced and subtle understanding of their respective areas while they both hold their most skilled and prolific practitioners in the highest esteem in a community that sometimes is not easily defined.
Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor – Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming’s Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University’s John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.