A grandmother, Amy Appelhans Gubser, recently completed a historic 17-hour-long swim through shark-inhabited waters off the Northern California coast without a wetsuit, starting at the Golden Gate Bridge and ending at the Farallon Islands. Gubser is the only swimmer to complete this specific route without a wetsuit, with only two other successful attempts in the past. She described the swim as a sensory deprivation bubble due to intense fog and red tide that limited her visibility. Gubser remained in a meditative state throughout the journey and had teammates periodically feed her to maintain her energy levels. She had to be cautious about sharks, as the migration of great white sharks in the area typically peaks during the time of her swim.
Gubser, a fetal cardiology nurse at a hospital in San Francisco, competed in swimming in college but only returned to the sport five years ago after a long hiatus. Despite the challenging conditions of cold water temperatures, she chose not to wear a wetsuit to abide by the rules set by the Marathon Swim Federation and the open water swim world. Her decision was also influenced by concerns about the potential for skin irritation near shark-infested waters. Gubser’s family, who were relieved that the swim was over, includes grandchildren who are too young to fully understand the significance of her accomplishment, but she hopes to leave them a legacy of determination and achievement.
Gubser hopes that her story will inspire others to pursue their fitness goals regardless of age or physical condition. She emphasized the importance of not being discouraged by numbers like age or weight and highlighted the fact that her body was able to carry her through such a challenging feat. Gubser expressed gratitude for the positive feedback she received after the swim and acknowledged the unexpected fame that came with her achievement. She believes that her story will become part of her family’s lore and hopes that it will serve as a source of encouragement for others.
The swim was a test of endurance and mental strength for Gubser, who faced challenging conditions in the open water for over 17 hours. With the support of her team and careful preparation, she was able to navigate through shark-inhabited waters and maintain her focus throughout the journey. During the swim, Gubser experienced a range of emotions and time intervals that seemed to pass at varying speeds. Her determination and resilience were evident as she overcame obstacles such as jellyfish stings and the potential presence of sharks in the area.
Gubser’s decision to forego a wetsuit for the swim was a strategic choice based on her adherence to the rules of the open water swimming community and concerns about the potential risks associated with wearing one in shark-infested waters. Despite the discomfort of colder water temperatures, she was able to push through and complete the swim successfully. Gubser’s experience as a competitive swimmer in college and her return to the sport later in life reflect her passion for swimming and her commitment to achieving her goals. Her dedication to the sport and her willingness to take on challenges serve as an inspiration to others who may be considering pursuing their own fitness goals.
