Podcast Maré Sonora ® · video

What this video covers

Sandra Koch, an open-water ultramarathon swimmer from Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, describes her progression from childhood swimming at Bombinhas to completing multi-hour solo ocean swims along the Santa Catarina coast.3:44 Her most recent challenge covered 36 kilometers from Porto Belo (Praia do Caxadaz) to Itajaí (Praia de Cabeçudas) in 15 hours and 4 minutes — a record for direct water contact on that route — supported by the sailboat Eco, a kayak, a stand-up paddleboard, and a motorboat.0:14 An earlier 25-kilometer crossing, timed with weather guidance from a specialist named Hélio, took 5.5 hours and still stands as her record for that route.7:37 Koch explains the Olympic Committee's definition of open-water ultramarathon (beyond 10 km), her preference for the 16 km threshold, and the physical toll of long swims: extreme tongue swelling, intestinal problems from flood-contaminated water near Itajaí, and salt crystals forming in her mouth after 10 hours.11:01 She also discusses ocean pollution, water quality at Baía de Balneário, the 2024 Paris Seine water-quality crisis, and her practice of collecting marine debris during swims.29:30 Weather reading — wind, current, tidal timing — is central to her route planning.38:00

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