Swimmer Prepares for Third Attempt at 80 Mile Sea of Cortez Crossing Howard Solomon - Finn Partners
go to original October 5, 2013

Solo Cortez (Paul Lundgren)

Long distance swimmer and Marin County resident, Paul Lundgren announced this week that on November 6th, he will step into the waters in San Carlos, Mexico for his third attempt at swimming across the Sea of Cortez. If accomplished, it will be a World Record for the longest unassisted swim in history.

Lundgren also announced that he has signed a sponsorship agreement with Sausalito-based start-up lifestyle brand A Day Well Lived to support his swim.

"Having the support of A Day Well Lived brings me one step closer to my dream of crossing the Sea of Cortez," said Lundgren. "It also confirms that it truly takes a community to achieve great results. While much of what we achieve comes from our own ability to face our inner fears, having the support of a community provides strength to any effort. I've been training very hard these past several months and feel ready to once again embrace the Sea of Cortez."

The swim across the Sea of Cortez, which was famously called "the world's aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau, will take Lundgren through 80-miles of open Sea with migrating great white sharks, seasonal fluctuations of toxic jelly fish blooms, carnivorous squid and unpredictable, ferocious currents. Successfully crossing the Sea will break the current World Record for an unassisted open water swim, which is currently held by Penny Palfrey of Australia for 67 miles. Lundgren estimates the swim will take somewhere between 40-60 hours.

"As he discussed overcoming fears and taking on extraordinary challenges, I was immediately drawn to Paul's spirit," said A Day Well Lived Founder, Todd Lieman. "This effort and Paul's story typifies what A Day Well Lived is all about: Do what lights you up. Live authentically. Dream big. At the end of the day, we all just want to feel like we 'did the day right.' Spend some time with Paul and you'll know that he does the day right. He's undeniably inspiring and we're honored to be part of Swim Cortez."

Lundren's swim will also serve to support Eco Alianza De Loreto A.C., a nonprofit organization in Loreto Mexico, the base camp of Swim Cortez. Eco Alianza's mission is to create healthy and vibrant communities by empowering civil society and government to protect and conserve our natural and cultural environment. Among its programs, the organization teaches young students the skills and develops tools to influence and change old attitudes for a better future.

This is accomplished through creative and informative environmental education programs and workshops, where students learn and explore in both the classroom and the field about environmental values, culture and the economy of the region.

"This swim has become more than just a swim. If I had made it the first try I wouldn't have had the opportunity to understand that the strength of communities are much greater than anything I can accomplish on my own," Lundgren added. I have learned the value of connecting with people. I am grateful for my failed attempts. Without them I wouldn't fully understand what is possible."

For more information follow Paul and crew at SoloCortez.com

Support Eco Alianza here

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