New Blog!

[naj]

Hi folks, for those who know and those who don't I started a new blog about my training for my attempt of The Cook Strait in 2013. You can read the official first post by clicking here. Hopefully you might find it funny, uplifting, and inspire you to reach for the moon and get a piece of the sky!

Keep Swimming!
Naji

[terry]

Naji
It's a strikingly designed page. And I recognize that little beach you're standing on. It brings back very fond memories. What's the water temp there now? It's up to about 76 in Minnewaska, the warmest I can ever recall in 10 years of swimming there. Not so warm that I overheat, but not as refreshing either.

[cynthiam]

Nice blog, Naj! Yep, you're insane...in the best possible way, of course.

You got this 40-something-onset swimmer to get into the balmy waters of SF bay (going in again tomorrow) -- I'd say you're pretty inspiring. I'm excited to follow your journey on the blog and in person.

Cynthia

[Richardsk]

Hi Naji

Yes, definitely nuts , but as one who has been nuts about swimming for a long time and even nuttier about it since discovering TI, I think it's a good thing to be nuts about and definitely life enhancing.

I think the Aussie's idea of getting some pool time in and working on your technique has merit, but of course you can work on technique in the sea as well - or ocean in your case.

Have you considered the expense of such an effort? You will need air fare to NZ and back, living expenses and hire of an escort boat and crew. Do they pay soup kitchen workers that well in San Francisco?

Anyway, if you really want to do it you will no doubt find a way. I think doing a few slightly less challenging swims nearer home is a good idea, but no doubt you have thought of that yourself.

I look forward to reading further blog entries and updates here.

[Ken B]

Naj

I live about 200km by road from Wellington, less as the dolphin swims. I am hoping you can stay with Merle and me in 2013. I even allow myself the hope that I could companion swim a couple of km with you if that was allowed. Keep the invite in mind and keep in touch as you plan your approach.

Ken

[sasquatch]

I was fortunate to travel with a rugby team to NZ in 1992 and have been looking for a good reason to go back ever since. I have some challenging swims on my bucket list too and the Cook Straight is definitely one of them. Would have loved to do a combined trip next September/October to do the crossing and watch the rugby world cup at the same time. It's not going to work out that way, but it would have been nice.

I don't think you're nuts...I see it as basic problem solving. You have a goal, it definitely has it's obstacles, but I think you're determining what they are and will figure out what you need to do in order to get through them. Will you be successful? Who knows. But if I were a betting man I'd put my money on you to make it. (Maybe that means I'm nuts )