HE swam eight kilometers of the icy Hudson River in New York last May then battled giants waves and strong currents while crossing a 24-kilometer stretch from Camiguin Island to Misamis Oriental the following month. He survived jellyfish stings and countless sunburns in 29 open water swims to promote cleaners seas and healthy oceans.
No doubt “Pinoy Aquaman” Ingemar Macarine is chosen as a members of the “2017 World’s 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Men” by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA).
“In order to be included in the list of Wowsa, one must have completed unprecedented swims of note or a significant number of risk-inherent channel, lake, marathon or ice swims. These men have proven themselves in high-level competitions and solo swims, and men who have safely guided many swimmers of various abilities in rough waters,” said Wowsa on its criteria of chosing this year’s awardees.
“I am surprised by my inclusion in the list because there are thousands of open water swimmers in the world. Of course I am very proud,” Macarine told CDN. “Steve Munatones, the founder of Wowsa told me that I am the only Southeast Asian open water swimmer to be included in the list,” said Macarine.
Last June 25, Macarine and Frank Lacson swam from Grande Island, Bataan to Driftwood Beach in Olongapo City to promote cleaner seas and protect marine life.
The 39-year old Macarine, a native of Surigao del Norte joined other honoress from Britain, the USA, South Africa, Europe, Russia and Australia.
Macarine who is a lawyer by profession is planning to cross the English Channel from Dover, England to Calais, France this August. This will be his second attempt to cross the treacherous channel after he cancelled his attempt last year due to bad weather.