Background Information
Swimming across the Mississippi River is an extraordinary feat that only a few committed athletes have attempted. It is considered one of the toughest physical challenges in competitive swimming as the river is particularly wide, with a length of 2,320 miles, making it a much bigger challenge to swim across than a normal-sized pool. In addition, the river is home to strong currents and varying depths, posing an even bigger challenge.
Data and Perspectives
The first person to attempt and successfully cross the river was Audrey Scott – an experienced marathon swimmer. Scott swam 1,100 miles along the Mississippi in 1982, which began in St. Louis and ended in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was completed in 82 days. The feat was accomplished with support from a kayak-canoe escort and frequent breaks.
Since then, only two people have accomplished a full swim across the Mississippi: Doug Sphar and Martin Strel. Sphar was a twice-over finisher of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, completing the English Channel, Florida Straits and Catalina Channel crossings in 19 months. He set the record for the longest solo swim for a male competitor when he crossed the Marathon Swimming Federation-sanctioned swim in 47 days in 2012.
Martin Strel put forth an even more impressive feat, becoming the first person to complete a full swim of the river. Strel began his swim at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and finished in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 66 days, swimming 12 hours per day and covering 3,000 miles – making it the longest continuous swim in human history. During his swim, he was assisted by a boat and required regular rest stops, but the swim itself was conducted continuously.
Insights and Analysis
The physical challenges presented by swimming across such a long and wide river are substantial, to say the least. Swimmers must be both mentally and physically prepared prior to the crossing, and maintain an average pace of roughly 2-3 miles per hour throughout. Swimmers must also account for strong currents that could push them off track and deposits of debris that can be hazardous.
Furthermore, the Mississippi River is home to a great array of wildlife that must also be accounted for: American alligators, American eel, American shad, American paddlefish, orange-spotted sunfish, bowfin and much more. Above, there is a huge array of avian marine life to contend with – cormorants, swallows, pelicans, and the list goes on.
The health benefits of such a feat are numerous and varied. Many athletes boast improved sleep, increased metabolism and improved physical strength, particularly due to the large range of muscles used during the swim. Additionally, swimmers report greater willpower and motivation to complete other goals in life, as the physical and mental strength acquired during the challenge carry over into everyday life.
Given the outstanding physical challenge of such a feat, it is generally advised that endurance athletes with a significant amount of training prepare well in advance before attempting such a swim. It is also advised to have some form of support on hand to assist with accountables such as meals, navigations and recovery. Undoubtedly, the challenge of swimming across the Mississippi River can be a great test of one’s physical and mental limits.
Training
Before attempting to swim across the Mississippi, any individual should put in a significant amount of training. Since open-water recreational and competitive swimming is quite different than pool swimming, aspiring long-distance swimmers will have to prepare specifically for the conditions they will be facing.
Therefore, an ongoing swimming routine should be established at least several months before the Mississippi attempt. Training should involve both light and intensive swimming, depending on the person’s abilities and preferences. A mix of pool and open-water swimming is recommended for the most comprehensive training program. During sessions, the intensity should also be varied in order to gain an accurate understanding of the swimmer’s physical capabilities.
Pool swimming is beneficial for aspiring Mississippi swimmers as it allows them to replicate the same movements they will make during the challenge while being able to time their progress and accurately plan the period in which they will be able to complete the swim. Open-water swimming, however, is essential for preparing for the various conditions the swimmer may encounter such as strong currents, vast winds and variable temperatures.
Equipment
Swimming across the Mississippi requires an array of essential equipment. Most important of all is a high-quality swimsuit, which should be comfortable and durable enough to withstand the grueling journey. Swimming goggles also provide swimmers protection from the sun’s rays and an improved view of their environment. In addition, a bathing cap, water bottle and nutrition supplements can provide a welcome boost when energy levels are low.
It is also important that swimmers have the appropriate safety gear such as a life jacket, whistle, headlights and a personal floatation device to ensure they are prepared for any unexpected event. Finally, it is important to account for navigational equipment such as a GPS and compass to keep the swimmer on track and ensure they have a strong sense of direction while crossing the powerful and wide Mississippi River.
Hazards
The Mississippi River is a powerful and wide body of water that can present numerous hazards to open-water swimmers. Thorough research about the course of the river should be conducted to understand any upcoming obstacles and uncertainties. Swimmers should also be aware of their own physical abilities and limitations, and plan their swimming schedule accordingly.
Weather is another key factor to consider, as the flow of the river and the surrounding air temperature and weather can vary greatly from one area of the river to the next. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the current and future weather conditions.
The most difficult hazardous obstacle that Mississippi swimmers will face is the strong currents, which can push swimmers off track and endanger their safety. These currents should be carefully monitored prior to attempting the swim and accounted for when planning a route.
Wildlife is also an important consideration. Alligators and other marine life inhabit the river, and the presence of such creatures should be accounted for prior to the swim and monitored while crossing to ensure the safety of the swimmer.
Nutrition
Nutrition is another essential consideration before swimming across the Mississippi. Swimmers must plan meals in advance and obtain the necessary supplies, such as energy and protein bars, for energy boosts during the challenge. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet should also be maintained throughout the challenge to keep up energy levels and reduce the risk of illness and injury.
Depending on the length and intensity of the swim, a diet should be tailored to ensure enough carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins are included. In addition to including healthier snacks, hydration is also an important factor, as dehydration can significantly reduce the ability of a swimmer to perform and can be dangerous. Additionally, electrolyte tablets may also be taken during long, intense swims to keep up hydration levels and balance mineral levels.
Safety and Support
Before attempting the swim, it is essential for swimmers to consider their own and others’ safety. The most common danger during a marathon swim is exhaustion, which can result in muscle cramps and cramp-like pains as well as disorientation. Swimmers should be aware of the signs of exhaustion and regularly monitor themselves to ensure they remain alert during the challenge.
In addition to personal safety, swimmers should also be aware of the safety of others during the swim. A kayak-canoe escort is essential for tracking their course, as well as observing their physical condition and communicating with other boats on the river. This is essential for preventing any mishaps during the long swim and also proving companionship to the swimmer throughout their time on the river.
