Swimming has always been more than just a sport for me; it’s a way of life. Since my primary school days, competitive swimming has been my sanctuary—a place where I connect deeply with my mind while pushing my physical limits. For me, it’s as much a mental exercise as it is physical.

Every year, amidst my responsibilities as a coach, I choose one big race to challenge myself and focus solely on my own performance. This year, the Oceanman World Championships in Dubai seemed like the perfect fit: a 10km ocean swim and a full year to prepare for it.

Having previously coached athletes at Ironman events on the same beach, I was familiar with the calm, sunny waters—ideal for beginners and a fast course for experienced swimmers.

Building a Team for the Challenge

Joining me on this adventure were some remarkable athletes:

• Tayunaz, who had earned a World Championship slot in Palermo, representing India alongside her son, Zarvaan. Watching her grow stronger over the months was incredibly rewarding as a coach.
• Rishab Singh, a newcomer to swimming, tackling his first-ever race in the 2km category.
• Ranjit and Atul, who had set their sights on the 5km race.

For me, it was the 10km challenge.

A Growing Open Water Swimming Community

At PowerPeaks, we’ve been pioneers in promoting open water swimming in India. From organizing Pune’s first open water races to taking a team to Oceanman Bali in 2022, where all eight participants won World Championship slots, we’ve seen a growing interest in the sport. This year in Dubai, over 50 Indian swimmers competed—a testament to the progress we’ve made in building this community.

Day 1: The 2km Race

The sea was unexpectedly rough on race day, with strong swells and currents challenging even the most seasoned swimmers. Tayunaz, despite clocking a slower time of 50 minutes due to the choppy waters, secured an impressive 8th place in her age group.

Day 2: The 5km and 10km Races

Sunday dawned with stronger winds and rougher seas. Ranjeet, swimming the 5km, finished in 2 hours and described the conditions as tough but manageable. Then came my turn.

My 10km Oceanman Experience

Standing at the start line, I felt the familiar rush of excitement and nervous energy. Despite limited training, I trusted my 20+ years of swimming experience and mental resilience. The first 2km went smoothly, and I took my first nutrition break at the 2.5km mark.

Then came the turning point—literally and figuratively. As we rounded the course to swim parallel to the coast, the sea turned brutal. The swells became walls of water, sighting was nearly impossible, and breathing required perfect timing to avoid swallowing seawater. It was chaos.

Unlike Ironman swims that stay close to the shore, Oceanman takes you into the high seas, far from land. This is part of its appeal, but also its biggest challenge.

By the 7km mark, I was battling nausea from the relentless tossing and nearly retched mid-swim. Many elite swimmers dropped out, and I watched as a fellow swimmer got thrown off course by a wave, ultimately signaling for a rescue boat. The temptation to quit was overwhelming. But deep down, I knew I hadn’t come this far to give up.

Digging Deep

I drew on every ounce of experience and mental strength to keep going. The final stretch was grueling. At 9km, I finally turned toward the shore, aided slightly by the current. Even then, the last 500 meters were so choppy that I drifted off course multiple times. Exhaustion blurred everything else, but I refused to stop.

When I finally touched the sand, I didn’t care about running to the finish line. I simply walked the last 50 meters, grateful to be on solid ground after 4 hours and 49 minutes in the water.

Lessons From the Sea

The Oceanman Dubai World Championships pushed me harder than I ever imagined. Nature humbled me, reminding me of the limits of human endurance and the power of perseverance. Completing that race wasn’t just a physical victory; it was a mental triumph.

For me, this swim was everything I wanted: a challenge that tested my limits and left me stronger. Every stroke in that unforgiving sea was worth it—a true “paisa vasool” experience.

The Oceanman journey reaffirms my love for swimming and my commitment to inspiring others to embrace open water swimming. It’s not just about competing; it’s about the lessons we learn along the way, the strength we discover within, and the stories we carry home.