Kim Prytz’s record-setting swim from Melkbosstrand to Robben Island and back was halted after strong currents kept the Plumstead swimmer from making progress.
Ms Prytz’s double attempt got off to a windy start on Thursday morning February 23. The adventure swimmer entered the water at Melkbosstrand at 5am with strong onshore winds and high rollers that pushed her away from her destination.
Getting clear of the beach and with slightly calmer conditions, Ms Prytz settled in and began her record-setting attempt – to be the first person to swim from Melkbosstrand to Robben Island and back and to be the first person to swim it with breaststroke.
Having done a previous Melkbosstrand to Robben Island swim in six hours, a Blouberg-Robben Island-Melkbosstrand swim in 11 hours and a double Robben Island-Blouberg swim in 10.5 hours, Ms Prytz expected the 20.5km swim to take her 12 hours.
After five hours and 20 minutes, the support team following her swim in a boat recorded Ms Prytz as looking strong and comfortable with only 4.6km to go to the island, but an hour and a half later, she still had 4.4km to go with the current pushing her back at every stroke.
“This was a lesson in learning to go with the flow and not fight the current that is life,” said Ms Prytz, after she and the support team decided to call it a day.
It’s not over yet though, as Ms Prytz is planning to attempt the swim in a week’s time, as she is determined to raise money for the Goedgedacht Trust’s Path onto Prosperity project.
“This is the first time I have voluntarily climbed out of the water, but I spent 1.5 hours in the same spot, and it was just time. I would make the same decision again though. As disappointing as it was not to complete this trip, it is in these moments one grows even more, especially when you face a decision by which one can literally live or die.
“I’m not beaten but more determined than ever to complete this, but the next time I hope it’s more of a swim instead of a push against the force of nature and going nowhere slowly.”
Ms Prytz thanked her crew, family, friends and the public for their support.
“I am so grateful to be able to do what I do but even more so knowing that I have the encouragement of others behind me, and I would like to thank everyone.”
