The Race Rocks Challenge is an unprecedented six-kilometre open water swim by select Pearson College UWC students from Race Rocks Ecological Reserve to the main College docks on Pedder Bay planned for Saturday, May 25, 2019. Seven students – six from Canada, one from Israel – have trained for months with an experienced open water distance coach to meet this inspirational challenge. Wearing wetsuits and accompanied by an experience support team of motorized boats and kayaks, the seven will be guided by a comprehensive safety plan to ensure the wellbeing of every participant.
Participant’s Statement
Some of our greatest learning is born out of curiosity.
Curiosity is what led us to approach Pearson College UWC Marine Sciences teacher Laura Verhegge with the question “Has anyone done a swim to or from Race Rocks before?” After hearing it had never been successfully attempted, we thought this project would be a great way to motivate ourselves to train and to rally the many swimmers at the College. Pearson’s Seafront Activities Coordinator Corey Teramura supported us by bringing in Susan Simmons, an open water swimmer, who was eager to help our initial group with this project. Susan agreed to come on board and has been guiding us to adapt to cold water swimming in Pacific waters while Corey has been assisting us with pool training, timing and swim logistics.
For all of us involved in this project, swimming and organized sports have been a major part of our lifestyles. The team spirit, scheduled training, physical challenge and sense of working towards a common goal all are contributing to an incredible experience and a deep appreciation for the incredible nature and facilities that are steps away from our dormitories.
Read the CBC article or listen to the student interview here.
Learn about the swimmers here.
Learn about Race Rocks 2 here.