Protective gear for sharks and jellyfish encounters: bracelets and a hood.
Preparing for an Extraordinary Challenge: The Atlantic Swim of Chloe Leger and Matthieu Witvoet
Chloe Leger and Matthieu Witvoet, known as the slightly crazy swimmers, are gearing up for an incredible adventure. This time, they're aiming to swim across the Atlantic Ocean, a journey spanning approximately 3,800 kilometers.
This ambitious swim is not just a physical challenge but also a mission to raise awareness and advocate for ocean protection. Leger, the founder of "Swim for Change," shares a deep love for the ocean and wants to use this adventure to make a difference.
The Route and Purpose
Their journey will typically start from the western coast of Africa, often from the Canary Islands or nearby, and end at the eastern coast of the Americas or the Caribbean. The swim is designed to highlight the critical importance of protecting marine environments, drawing attention to issues like ocean pollution, overfishing, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.
Training for the Unknown
The swimmers have been preparing for this adventure for two years. Their training sessions are aimed at preparing their bodies for extreme tiredness and long-term endurance. On Tuesday, they will swim 9 kilometers, a part of their rigorous training regime.
Overcoming Challenges
Swimming across the Atlantic requires overcoming extreme physical and mental endurance hurdles, including rough seas, marine life encounters, unpredictable weather, and the need for constant navigation support from a support boat. To tackle these challenges, the swimmers have already planned material such as a bracelet to keep sharks away and a hood to protect against jellyfish.
Support and Logistics
A dedicated crew will support the swimmers, providing navigation, nutrition, medical aid, and rest periods. The swimmers will alternate between swimming and resting to maintain progress.
Making a Difference
Beyond the swim itself, Leger and Witvoet have used their platform to engage with environmental organizations, media, and communities to promote ocean conservation efforts. They have already completed challenges such as crossing the Seine and swimming 550 km between Marseille and Barcelona, demonstrating their commitment to pushing boundaries for a cause they believe in.
The swimmers have set themselves a three-month deadline to complete the Atlantic crossing. They will depart from Cape Verde, in Africa, in November. This adventure is a new dream they will realize to raise awareness about ocean protection. The Atlantic crossing by swimming is a significant challenge, but with their determination and passion, Chloe Leger and Matthieu Witvoet are ready to take it on.
During their preparations for the historic Atlantic swim, Chloe Leger and Matthieu Witvoet have integrated French sports Equipment such as a bracelet designed to ward off sharks and a hood to protect against jellyfish. On their journey, they aim to promote French values of environmental awareness and ocean protection.
Their adventure across the Atlantic Ocean is not only a test of endurance but also an opportunity to showcase the importance of preserving marine environments, a cause that ties them to the broader French ethos of sustainability and conservation.
