Nicolas Knap - Open Water Swim

Water Marathoner Nicolas Knap the First to Complete an Open Water Swim Between Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and L’Isle-aux-Coudres Quebec


Photo credits: Nancy THIBAULT Photography and Alain Caron

When water marathoner Nicolas Knap decided to attempt the 3.5 KM open water swim across the cold, fast moving water between Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and L’Isle-aux-Coudres Quebec, safety and connectivity were top priorities. There had been at least one attempt at this crossing by another swimmer, although it was unsuccessful. With months of preparation and planning, Nicolas knew that the swim presented certain risks. His primary worries were the dangers of hypothermia (open water swimming without a wetsuit in cold water with temperatures averaging 10-12 ° C), powerful water currents in the area estimated as high as 10 KM/hour, and navigating around maritime boat traffic which could include ferries, cruise ships, pleasure boats and freight transport.
 
The previous year, having accomplished the feat of being the first swimmer from Quebec to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, Nicolas approached this swim experienced, prepared and confident. “Before I went out, I looked at the weather, water temperature, wind conditions, the currents and the tide”. His team had a SPOT Gen3 Satellite Messenger in their gear, which was used to track his swim via GPS waypoints on Google Maps™, enabling friends, family and fans to follow his progress in near real time. SPOT also provided back up emergency notification technology for the swim, with his safety team providing the first point of contact.
 
The swim took place on August 16^th, 2020. Nicolas was accompanied by a small group that he calls La Grande Traversée team who monitored his swim from distance in a leading boat, escort boat and security boat. With the water temperature that day hovering near 16°C the first check from Nicolas came 5 minutes after the swim started. He recalls that almost immediately, he felt very cold. “Water temperature during my swim was unstable as at 16°C to 13°C or 18°C it was always a new adaptation for the body and mind. Wind and waves (3-4 feet) were very strong on this day. It was a real open water swim challenge. I love these kinds of conditions where nothing is easy or simple. It spices up the adventure.”
 
After successfully completing the crossing in about forty minutes, Nicolas reflects on the keys to his success which included experience, planning and preparedness. “The swim was really good. We had plans and conversations before to determine the steps and signals if things were going wrong. It’s so important to be able to communicate with your team, especially in case of emergency.”
 
In the future, Nicolas plans to swim “across oceans around the world”, depending on COVID-19 and sponsors. He also plans to use SPOT devices such as the SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger.