Unprepared Dive in Cozumel: My Experience with Short Notice Oceanman Training and Results
In the sun-kissed shores of the Riviera Maya, I, Bel—Mexico Correspondent for International Living—embarked on a thrilling journey, teaming up with the spirited South African, Robyn, whose pink fringe matched her dog's pink-tipped tail. Our shared excitement was palpable as we headed south to the Oceanman event, a swimming competition that mirrors the Ironman triathlon, but with no running or cycling involved.
The Oceanman event is a unique spectacle, featuring various swimming disciplines over different distances. Participants compete in styles such as breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle, and butterfly, often including technical challenges, and it attracts motivated swimmers aiming for personal or club records.
For this adventure, I had signed up for the 1.5 km sprint swim. The ocean around the Cozumel beach, known as Playa Mantarrayas, a popular training location for Ironman, Oceanman, MayanMan, and other athletic events, was exquisite and warm, a stark contrast to the waters I used to swim in Cairns, teeming with stingers, sharks, crocodiles, and sea snakes.
The ocean around Cozumel was safe, calm, and warm, providing the perfect setting for the swim. The ocean swimmers' beach was open to all and free to use, making it a supportive swim community where people of all ages, shapes, and sizes gathered. A local swim coach named Victor was often present, lending his expertise to those training.
As the day of the event approached, Robyn, who is 73, showed no signs of slowing down. She was preparing to participate in marathons, proving that age is just a number. On the day of the swim, I completed the 1.5 km sprint in two-thirds of the allocated time, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me.
Oceanman events take place around the world, and the Riviera Maya edition was no exception. As I stood on the shore, ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters, I felt a surge of gratitude for this incredible experience. The tropical fish, sea fans, eels, and stingrays that inhabited the ocean around the beach added an extra layer of magic to the event.
I have been living in the Mexican Caribbean for over 7 years now, and each day brings new adventures. As an experienced writer, author, photographer, and videographer with over 500 articles published, I am always eager to share my experiences with the world. This Oceanman adventure was no exception, and I look forward to many more exciting journeys in this beautiful corner of the world.
