The Amputee Swimmer
Underwater Amputee
Underwater Amputee!
I thought I had lost this footage, I couldn't find it anywhere on my computer! This video was the reason I went out and bought a new GoPro, in my opinion the quality is incredible. Let me know what you think... be kind though.
Become a member of my open water swimming community!! Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to my channel, The Amputee Swimmer. That way you'll never miss any of our brand new content! Don't forget to hit the bell
If you would like to learn more about my journey, check out the links below!
Join the Community:
👾 Discord: https://discord.gg/xC3hPxP7
📸 Instagram: //www.instagram.com/theamputeeswimmer
🎥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamputeeswimmer
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/shorterSi
👨💻 WEBSITE https://www.simonharmer.com
🛒 Amazon Swim Shop www.amazon.co.uk/shop/simonharmercom
🎧 PODCASTS https://www.simonharmer.com/resources
About Simon, The Amputee Swimmer
I started to regularly Open Water Swimming in 2011; swimming outdoors became an essential part of my recovery after receiving life-changing injuries in the autumn of 2009.
I became an amateur triathlete in 2001 when the sport was still relatively young in the UK. Swimming was something that I enjoyed, so triathlon was an excellent fit for me. However, I spent most of my time training in a pool, swimming outside took on a new significance.
I arrived at Headley Court in the winter of 2009 to start my recovery. It wasn't until June 2010 that we had a swimming pool at Headley. Our new swimming pool became a crucial part of my rehabilitation. I would sneak up to swim after lunch earlier than I should; I wanted to swim extra laps before my session started. Soon I was strong enough to swim outdoors; one of the first places I swam was Heron Lake near Staines, Surrey.
Heron Lake is one of the many British Disabled Water-ski and Wakeboard centres; the lake open to swimmers from April to September. I remember my first sessions there; I could only really manage one or two loops; it took me a few months to become strong enough to swim longer distances. There was a physical element too swimming, I wanted to get stronger, but there was a physiological benefit. I was making new friends because I swam; I didn't realise it, but my mental health profited positively; it still does to this day.
Over the years, I have swum in different places all over the United Kingdom and Europe. This sport has encouraged me to enter some incredible races too. Swimming the Brownsea Island race several times was an eye-opener; I've completed the Dart 10Km and also completed the Windermere One Way, which is an 11-mile lake swim.
I'm not sure I could do without open water swimming now; it is part of my who I am.
In 2011 I wanted a new challenge; I started cold water swimming regularly. I tried to swim the Ice Mile in my first season, where you have to swim a mile in water below 5°. In the end, I didn't manage to complete the Ice Mile; the water just wasn't cold enough. I will finish my ice mile; watch this space.
Because of my injuries, my situation is slightly different. I don't have legs which make things a bit of a challenge. I need to plan how to access and exit the water I want to swim in; it's all about being prepared.
Every time I swim, I use a combination of aids. I wear my prosthetic legs to walk down to the water's edge and get changed before accessing the water. Sometimes I'll push my wheelchair with my kit loaded on top, get changed and then wheel close to access the water. Most of the time, I can do without taking my wheelchair; but it is a valuable option. I've become an adept 'bum shuffler, which is how I usually get in the water and out after a swim.
I am passionate about encouraging others to give outdoors swimming ago; it should be an activity enjoyed by every one of whatever ability. Over the years, I have introduced many people to the waters I love.
#theamputeeswimmer #openwaterswimming #vobsterquay
