We swam across the Arctic Circle

This summer, three of my training friends from Texas wanted to take part in my Swedish summer training experience. Especially, the open water swimming competition that goes across the Arctic Circle!

In preparation, we have been open water swimming once a week in the Guadalupe River in Kerrville. (This is the same town and river that recently was devastated by floods). At one spot there is a dam, and a quite large lake is formed which is perfect for our swimming practice. Winters in Kerrville can be quite cold, and we kept going with our wetsuits until water temperatures went below 60f. We were well prepared for Arctic swimming!

Sweden's weather decided to put my friends through the wringer. The spring and early summer was unusually cold and wet, and every day seemed colder than the previous. Our first practice swim had water temperatures of about 62f, (17C), the next day 61f (16C). We decided to use earplugs and neoprene hats under our swim caps. 

First up was the popular Vansbro swim July 5, 3km open water in two rivers. The competition had over 10000 participants, and it was its 75th year running. The day came with drizzly rain and an air temperature of about 54f (12C) with about 60f (15.8C) in the water. I had a good swim, steady pace and no interruptions and my time was 66 minutes which is one of my better times. My friends also made it to the end, but one ended up in the warming tent for a while. Due to the cold weather, it was probably the most difficult Vansbro swim I have done.

A week later, after a 15-hour drive, we ended up in the village of Jouksengi on the Arctic Circle. Weather was fantastic the whole week we were there, about 80f (27C) and not a cloud in sight. Now, swimming over the Arctic Circle gives you serious bragging rights! Reality is, while not easy, it is not that hard either, especially when the weather is with you. The Vansbro swim is much harder! Of course, in the Arctic, weather can be very cold, but this year it was not. The swim is in the Torne River between Sweden and Finland. Most participants are from countries outside of Sweden.

We breezed through the 2km day swim, and my time was under 29 minutes. We are swimming with the current. In Vansbro there is a section with the current and a section against the current. We had hoped to get spots in the 3km midnight race, but despite signing up immediately when the race opened, we were beaten to it. This race only takes about 150 swimmers, and many wants to do it.

Considering what happened in Kerrville, we were still the lucky ones.

Celebrating life and smiling after swimming across the Arctic Circle, realizing we are lucky.