A 55-year-old grandmother recently made history by completing a 17-hour swim through shark-inhabited waters off the Northern California coast without a wetsuit. Amy Appelhans Gubser began her journey at the Golden Gate Bridge and finished at the Farallon Islands. She is the only swimmer to complete this specific route without a wetsuit, with two men succeeding in 2014, and three documented failures between 2012 and 2015. Gubser navigated through fog and red tide, facing jellyfish stings and uncertainty about her surroundings during the swim.
During the grueling swim, Gubser had to stay focused and maintain a meditative state to endure the challenge. Her teammates provided her with hot chocolate, chicken broth, and canned peaches to keep her energy up, as she was not allowed to touch the support boat during the journey. Despite knowing the waters were shark-inhabited, Gubser remained calm and relied on her helpers to watch out for potential threats, such as sharks and seals. The swim had to take place during the migration of great white sharks away from the Farallon Islands between April and June.
As a fetal cardiology nurse at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, Gubser had experience swimming competitively in college but took a 24-year break before picking up the hobby again. She chose not to wear a wetsuit for the swim, even though the waters reached temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Gubser believes in following the rules set by the Marathon Swim Federation and the open water swim world, which require a swimsuit, cap, goggles, earplugs, and a nose clip but no wetsuit. She made this choice to avoid chafing her skin near shark-infested areas.
After completing the historic swim, Gubser’s newfound fame came unexpectedly, and her family is grateful that the journey is over. Despite her grandchildren being too young to fully understand the significance of her achievement, she believes her feat will become a cherished part of their family lore in the future. Gubser hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their fitness goals regardless of age or physical condition, emphasizing the importance of pushing past challenges and limitations. She is grateful for the positive response she has received and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for her family.
Gubser’s dedication and resilience in completing the challenging swim without a wetsuit underscore her commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable feats. Her ability to navigate through shark-inhabited waters, endure physical hardships, and maintain a meditative state during the swim showcase her determination and strength. As a role model for defying expectations and embracing challenges, Gubser’s story serves as an inspiration for individuals looking to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, highlighting the power of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity. Her positive attitude and unwavering spirit exemplify the transformative impact of pursuing one’s passions and striving for greatness, regardless of age or circumstances.
