Last week, I participated in the UltraSwim 333 event in Montenegro. The fifth edition of this unique challenge and the third event at this venue. Our journey to Montenegro #5 was not just about competing but also about connecting with a broader community of open-water swimmers. 

The Swedish contingent was strong, with 15 participants, including members from my Bromma squad plus some very accomplished swimmers/swimrunners from Kraken Swimrun. There were also Team Envol members from other nations. One big family. The event had grown significantly, with more countries represented and a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared adventure.

Now a week after the race I was going to write a descriptive race/event report but that is covered very well by SWIM blogger Anita Horn here SWIM blog 33 kilometers of sea. Check it out. This links to the English translation but you can toggle to the original German language at the top of the page. 

I’ll take a different angle. But as you aren't all swimmers, first things first.

Why 33.3 Kilometers?

The distance of 33.3 kilometers has a special significance in the world of open-water swimming. It’s the shortest straight-line distance across the English Channel. This swim has become one of the most iconic challenges, setting the standard for endurance and determination in the sport. The history is rich, with legends like Captain Matthew Webb, who first conquered the Channel in 1875, and Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to cross it, shattering all records in 1926.

The UltraSwim 333 concept draws inspiration from this historic distance but transforms it into a multi-stage event spread over several days. This approach makes the formidable 33.3 km distance accessible to more swimmers by dividing it into achievable segments while still maintaining the spirit of a grand challenge. The idea is to offer participants a taste of that legendary achievement in a format that’s both demanding and rewarding.

UltraSwim 333: Concept and Key Differentiators

UltraSwim 333 isn’t just about covering a distance; it’s about the experience, the connection with fellow swimmers, and the journey itself. Founded by Mark Turner and Nathanial Waring, the event has set itself apart in several key ways:

Exceptional Organization and Safety:  Meticulous planning and execution of the event. Storms and weather patterns were monitored and plans revised, highlighting the seamless logistics and the comprehensive safety measures that are in place. With experienced kayakers guiding the swimmers and clear communication at every stage, the focus was purely on swimming, free from worries about safety or navigation.

A Unique Format: UltraSwim 333 is spread over four days with multiple swims, allowing for rest and recovery between stages. This structure is designed to make long-distance swimming more approachable, encouraging swimmers of all levels to take on the challenge without feeling overwhelmed by the distance.

“Hits that sweet spot between challenge and achievability”

Camaraderie and Connection: The multi-day event format fosters a strong sense of community. Staying at a single luxury base, sharing meals, stories, and experiences creates a bond among participants that goes beyond the competition. The friendships formed and the shared moments of triumph and struggle were as significant as the swims themselves.

Global Community and Cultural Exchange: Swimmers from different countries come together for this event, united by their love of open-water swimming. The diversity in backgrounds and experiences adds to the richness of the event, creating a platform for cultural exchange and mutual respect. Participants leave not just with memories of the swims but also with new friends from around the world.

So the concept is a winner but the subscribers to this newsletter aren't necessarily open water swimmers, or at least not without paddles, a pull-buoy, and a run to break up the swim distance. You probably still aren't sold? For the endurance challenges I take on, the ones that raise the most eyebrows are the big swims!

Being good at something doesn’t necessarily mean you love doing it, but I can’t think that it doesn’t help. So to ensure I got a representative set of answers I asked a wide range of swimmers with completion times between 9 hours and 14 hours a single question - what’s special about open water distance swimming? Interestingly their motivations and rationale were very similar.

Distance Swimming as Philosophy: This is the Way!

The philosophy of distance swimming is deeply intertwined with resilience, humility, and the pursuit of personal growth. Drawing on principles from Stoicism and modern mindfulness, the reflections from UltraSwim participants offer a profound insight into how this sport shapes one’s character.

Mental Resilience and Adaptation: Swimmers often spoke about their need to adapt to ever-changing conditions, aligning closely with the Stoic concept of embracing what you cannot control. Learning to accept the water’s unpredictability, to go with its flow, rather than fight against it, is a lesson that transcends the sport.

Ego and Humility: The humbling experience of swimming in open water strips away any pretense. No matter how skilled you are, the water demands respect and adaptation. This humility, this understanding that the ocean doesn’t care about who you are, fosters a deeper sense of self-awareness and patience.

Flow State and Mindfulness: The swimmers’ descriptions of losing themselves in the rhythm of strokes relate closely to mindfulness practices. Achieving a flow state during these long swims is about being fully present, where every stroke is a connection to the moment, a surrender to the journey.

Endurance and Personal Growth: Distance swimming reveals that we are capable of much more than we often believe. For many swimmers, reaching beyond their perceived limits is not just a physical achievement but also a mental breakthrough—a reaffirmation of their strength and resilience.

Shared Hardship and Community Spirit: The sense of camaraderie among participants is reminiscent of philosophical ideas about collective struggle. Enduring hardship together, whether in sports, life, or spiritual practices, builds a unique sense of belonging and purpose.

Beyond the Distance

The UltraSwim 333 event in Montenegro was more than just a race—it was a journey into the depths of endurance, a celebration of community, and a reflection on what it means to challenge oneself. As I think back on the experiences of the swimmers I met, their stories resonate with a universal truth: the hardest challenges often lead to the most profound transformations.

For those of us who took part in UltraSwim, the event was not merely a test of physical prowess; it was a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It’s about confronting fears, embracing the unknown, and finding joy in every stroke, every wave, and every moment of uncertainty. As Captain Webb so aptly said, "Nothing Great is Easy," and through UltraSwim, we discovered that greatness lies not just in the achievement but in the courage to start.

Join us in 2025 -  More Info at https://ultraswim333.com/