OK, so late-to-the-game IronMike here just heard about the Global Swim Series. I’ll let the good folks at the GSS explain what the series is:

The Global Swim Series is a collection of independent races from all over the world that have joined together to promote open water swimming and a healthy, active and adventurous lifestyle.

Imagine yourself independently wealthy. Also imagine yourself (unless you already are) competitive and in love with all things points or series. Now, imagine you swim OW races around the world, and get points for participation and placement in the race. (Are you as excited as I am now?) All this imagining has been realized by these guys at GSS.

Races from Australia to Canada to Spain to USA. I was perusing the race list when I saw Russia. What? Что? A race in Russia? It must be that “nautical mile” race I missed 3 summers running when I was in Moscow.

NOPE! It’s a freaking, legit, 25 kilometer race. In freaking Russia! Get outta town, you’re saying. No, I’m serious, I respond. 25 kilometers from St. Petersburg to Kronstadt Island in the Finnish Bay. 25 wonderful kilometers in water around 15-20C.

The beauty of the Kotlin Race (that’s what it’s called) is that it is a solo effort, done anytime between 15 May to 15 September. The organizer, Dima Egorov, arranges everything for you, boat, observer, everything. You, of course, must provide him a resume and medical document, but he’ll take care of the swim for you.

Someone has the Kotlin Race on his 2017 schedule! Can you guess who, dear reader(s)?!