a very, very long swim.

[KangJ]

Is it possible to swim 12km, 3 sets of 4km, covering the distance only when you are underwater with a pair of monofins, and only surfacing to breathe.
staying underwater for at least 30seconds each time you dive under to cover distance.
A little like whales.

im looking into how long it would take, and the physiological effects.
please advice!

thanks!

 

[trux]

Sure, it is possible. And much more than just that. Have a look at the 24 hour freediving record of Sandi Bitenc (SanSan here on DB), who swam 51 kilometers and 100 meters underwater within 24 hours:

http://forums.deeperblue.com/general-freediving/83347-live-24-hour-freediving-record-attempt.html

Some statistics from SanSan:

Total time under water 13:47:35 57,47%
Total time above water 10:12:30 42,53%
Total time in water 22:25:52 93,46%
Total time outside water (hourly breaks) 1:34:13 6,54%
Total time break time without hourly breaks 31.097 s 35,99%
Fastest swim time 30 s lap 1022
Longest swim time 59 s lap 982
Shortest break 15 s lap 212
Longest break 0:11:42 lap 883
Longest break without hourly breaks 0:02:13 lap 946
Average swim time (50 m) 49 s
Average break time 36 s
Average break time without hourly breaks 30 s
Average lap time (with breaks) 0:01:25
Average lap time (without hourly breaks) 0:01:19
Previous record broken in 19:50:47
Number of energy gels eaten 35
Liters of isotonic drinks 17

 

[KangJ]

wow thats amazing!

how deep was he under during each swim?

why didnt i see this on the news!

thanks for sharing!

 

[KangJ]

that was done in a pool right? still amazing though.. such feats..

 

[trux]

Yes in a pool, and he did exclusively 50m apnea laps (no surfacing before 50m).