Introducing a Q&A with the Emergensea Duo – Adam and Charlie, a husband and wife team comprising an A&E doctor and a palliative care doctor. They are participating in the remarkable ‘Archipelago Yachts Polar Swim Challenge’, an extraordinary journey that takes them to the ends of the earth, challenging themselves to swim an ‘ice kilometre’. An ice kilometre is 40 lengths of a standard swimming pool in the extreme cold which is what that makes this swim a brutal challenge. Their mission is to raise £20,000 for Weston Hospicecare and the Ocean Conservation Trust.
1. What inspired you to take on the Archipelago Yachts Polar Swim Challenge, and how do you prepare for such extreme conditions?
Following our rows across the Atlantic Ocean and around Great Britain we wanted to undertake another water-based challenge that would push us both mentally and physically to the absolute extreme. An ice swim is a pure battle between you and the elements, where there are no additional factors such as equipment that can help you, it is literally just you and the ice cold water.
The preparation has been challenging and has been split into three distinct areas. The first was getting used to the cold and this is where we have utilised a self-built ice bath. Secondly we had to learn to swim in the cold as this is very different from remaining static in an ice bath. Lastly we are learning to swim as fast and efficiently as we possibly can to reduce the amount of time we will be in the freezing conditions.
2. Can you share a memorable moment from your training sessions or previous swims that highlights the challenges you’ve faced?
One of the best moments was swimming in a semi-frozen Scottish loch, with the snow falling round us and a golden eagle soaring overhead, it was such an incredible moment. It’s always fairly funny to see the horror on peoples faces as they see us get into these very cold bodies of water in nothing more than a standard wetsuit – a lot of people think we have lost our minds.
3. How do you balance your commitment to both Weston Hospicecare and the Ocean Conservation Trust through this endeavour?
Balancing training and organising the swims is incredibly challenging but we are committed to raising as much money as we possibly can for these two amazing charities.
4. What inspired you to fundraise for both Weston Hospice care and the Ocean Conservation Trust through the Polar Swim Challenge?
Adam started working at Weston Hospicecare just under two years ago as we finished our row around Great Britain. He gets to see first hand the incredible work the charity undertake and wants to support a number of ongoing projects that require funding. He is very proud to be part of the hospice family. During our rows across the Atlantic and around Great Britain we forged a deep connection with the ocean and the Ocean Conservation trust is on a mission to protect our oceans by connecting people to it, we share their ethos and goals so we have chosen to support them too.
5. What message do you hope to convey to your supporters and the broader community through this unique fundraising initiative?
We have always wanted to try and inspire people to push past their perceived boundaries and find their own metaphorical oceans to cross.
6. How can people get involved and support your mission beyond donating?
People can follow all our training updates via our socials and on our website. We always appreciate people spreading the word about our challenge so we can reach as many people as possible to support our chosen charities.
Central Technology are proud to sponsor this epic challenge the duo will face in hopes to raise £20,000 for two amazing causes. Find out more information along with how to donate here.
