For me, the swims are a metaphor for life: the struggles encountered, the sacrifice necessary in order to succeed, and the continued belief that you can pursue your dreams right to the end – no matter what barriers and pain you face.
27
FOLLOW YOUR BELIEFS
In the short time following the swims the next phase in my life had already begun. I finished the last swim in Scotland on 6 August 2014. In March 2015, I travelled back to New Zealand to be filmed for a documentary on dolphin intelligence. I was so excited. Initially I was due to be filmed for three days in Kaikoura on the South Island, and to do a reconstruction of the swim in which the dolphins had come to support me in the Cook Strait.
On the first day we arrived early in the morning at the boat we had chartered for the day. I was bursting with excitement to get back out with the dolphins and relive those memories. We chose Kaikoura as they have the same type of dolphin species – dusky – as those I had encountered on my channel swim. They are very distinctive, with an evenly sloped head, white belly, grey from their eye to the flipper, and black on the tail and along the back. In addition they have two white stripes that run from the dorsal fin to the tail. They average 6 feet to 6 feet 5 inches in length.
It was a short boat ride out and they just appeared. It was like seeing old friends. I was ready to throw myself into the water, but the cameramen weren’t ready. John Jackson, one of the directors, said, ‘Adam, we are going to be swimming a lot today – don’t worry, you will be doing lots of swimming.’
I laughed and in my mind thought, ‘What does he class as lots of swimming?’
There was a short wait while the cameraman put on his dry suit and flippers. Getting ready for me consisted of swim trunks, hat and goggles – that’s it. I had to be wearing the same as I had been on the actual Cook Strait swim. I hadn’t owned a wetsuit – or worn one, anyway – since getting hypothermia on my first ever open-water swim in 2008.
We dived in with a small pod of around ten or twelve dolphins, which was very similar in number to the pod that had swum with me the previous year. As I jumped in, immediately I felt calm and at peace. For me, the ocean is such a relaxing place – I’m happiest out there where nothing else matters. Everyday life just doesn’t seem important and if you then add dolphins into the mix, there is nothing on land to rival such an experience. There is something very right and pure about the ocean world and a dolphin pod that stick together no matter what they face. They approach life together and they are unconditionally loyal to the end. It is a world we continue to try to understand through science, so that we can learn from them. We must do this in the right way, observing them in their own natural habitats rather than putting them in marine parks or science centres where they swim around in small tanks living a miserable life just for our enjoyment. This is why the Cook Strait experience was so magical: they chose to be with me in their natural environment.
As I swam with them again, the memories came flooding back. We stayed in and filmed for just over an hour the first time, and then went back in another couple of times to get more shots. For three days, each pod would stay with me for only a short period of time and then move on. This demonstrated further how special and unique my experience in the Cook Strait had been, when they spent an hour and a half with me and even stopped when I did.
After the three days we travelled to Auckland on the North Island, and I interviewed a man who had enjoyed a similar experience to mine. He had been swimming in the ocean with his family when a pod of dolphins appeared and surrounded them. They were banging their tails on the water, which is one way they communicate to each other. His daughter and family were stressed as they didn’t know what was going on, so he swam away from the pod to assess what the issue was. As he did this, a dolphin followed him and he looked down and saw a great white shark underneath him, which was swimming for his family. A few seconds later the whole experience was over. He said to me that he was very pleased the dolphins had been there and felt they had sensed the danger and treated him and his family as part of their pod, surrounding them in order to protect them. It was another example of dolphins potentially coming to the aid of a human being in the water.
After the New Zealand trip we travelled to Kona, Hawaii, to gain more footage of a different type of dolphin species called spinner. There are actually thirty types of dolphin, which vary not only in how they look but also in how they communicate; each pod has a different signature whistle. This means that dolphins from different pods are not able to communicate with each other – it’s rather like us humans speaking in different languages.
Dolphins also vary in intelligence, rather like people. The spinner is famous for its acrobatic displays. Its dorsal area is dark grey, its sides light grey and the belly pale grey or white. A dark band runs from eye to eye and to the flipper, bordered above by a thin line. The spinner can vary in form and colour, depending on where it is located. They are more difficult to find and are at this time considered to be an endangered species due to fishing – they get tangled in nets – plus pollution from chemicals and plastics.
As well as filming me swimming with them, my job was to interview two people who had swum with dolphins as part of a therapy programme. It was very interesting to get their perspectives on what it was about dolphins that had helped them. Both had answers that were very similar to mine: the feeling of being at one with nature and a sense of something honest and pure taking away stresses and strains from everyday life. Life’s issues seem irrelevant when you’re out there with them.
What happened to me in New Zealand had such a profound effect on me that it is hard to put into words. It was human and dolphin interaction, I believe as nature intended. I had a definite connection with them. We do know through science data that they possess a high level of intelligence. The documentary sets out to demonstrate all aspects of this intelligence, showing examples that will help the viewer gain a better understanding of the dolphin species.
If we look at scientific findings, a dolphin has an absolute brain mass of 1,500–1,700 grams, which is greater than human beings, who have a brain mass of 1,300–1,400 grams. This doesn’t mean dolphins are necessarily more intelligent than humans, but it does mean there is more mass available for cognitive functions.
Here are just some examples of dolphin intelligence:
They demonstrate complex play by bow riding on waves.
They create bubble or vortex rings, often biting them to create lots of smaller bubbles that rise to the surface and form bubble nets for the purpose of foraging.
Their creative ability – from performing tricks to mimicking and copying each other.
Their self-awareness, from recognising themselves in a mirror to doing somersaults and playing.
Their innovative ways of catching food; they even create sponges that they wrap around their rostra (their ‘noses’) to use as a tool to help forage for food without damaging themselves, we assume.
They are known to help other species such as orca and other human beings – myself included. In Laguna, Brazil, for instance, a pod of bottlenose dolphins has for the past twenty years herded schools of mullet towards the fishermen near the shore; they then signal for the fishermen to cast their nets by slapping their tails. In return, the dolphins get whatever the fishermen discard.
As well as dolphins supporting humans, there are also examples of this relationship being reciprocated. During my trip I interviewed a lady called Martina Wing, who in 2013 had taken a video in Kona of a dolphin appearing to ask a human being for help. The dolphin’s left pectoral fin had been snagged by a fishing hook and the line was coming across its mouth. Martina reported that the lone dolphin had swum in front of one of the scuba divers on the manta dive she was on, floating in front of him on its side to show the hook. The diver realised the problem and began cutting away at the fishing line to remove the hook. In between the dolphin would go up for air and come back to the scuba diver, appearing to sense that he was help
ing. The diver removed the hook and cut the line and the dolphin swam off.
We are halfway through filming now and already we are showing some great examples of the characteristics dolphins possess. My hope is that sharing our findings with the public will help us become more aware that marine parks and captivity are wrong. The film, Conversations With Dolphins, will be out in 2016.
Some countries are already making steps to forbid captivity. India’s Ministry of Environments and Forests, for instance, has, on the basis of dolphin intelligence, forbidden the keeping of captive dolphins for entertainment anywhere in the country. The ministry has also made the bold statement that ‘cetaceans in general are highly intelligent and sensitive and various scientists who have researched dolphin behaviour have suggested that the unusual high intelligence, as compared to other animals, means that dolphins should be seen as non-human persons and as such should have their own specific rights, and it is morally unacceptable to keep them captive for entertainment.’ A paper proposing that dolphin rights be enshrined in law has not yet been approved, but the ministry have recommended the following:
1. Every individual cetacean has the right to life.
2. No cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their natural environment.
3. All cetaceans have the right to freedom of movement and residence within their natural environment.
4. No cetacean is the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.
5. Cetaceans have the right to the protection of their natural environment.
6. Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the disruption of their cultures.
7. The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.
It would be a huge step in the right direction if the paper went through and it would hopefully set a trend for other countries to give dolphins rights and ban barbaric hunts.
Being involved in the film has opened my eyes further and made me more determined than ever to campaign for and support the freedom of whales and dolphins across the globe.
28
HERE’S TO THE FUTURE!
Open-water swimming has opened up a new world and so many possibilities for me. I have a lot to be grateful for. Although I really believe the movie On a Clear Day was the trigger that set off an idea, it inspired me enough to push towards a goal and not let anything get in the way of achieving it.
I learned more about myself in those seven years than I had in the twenty-eight years leading up to them. I discovered how important it is to find mental strength no matter what you are faced with, to decide your own destiny, and to fully understand that the only barriers to your success are the ones you create in your own mind. All you have to do is commit to something and do everything in your power to make it happen, and you can change your life for ever. I am a testament to that.
I am now doing the things I love to do. I continue to support the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) charity as a patron. I became the open-water swimming ambassador for the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the anti-drowning charity, helping to raise awareness of open water and how to enjoy it safely. Swimming is a life skill and it is essential we do not lose sight of how important it is. Through swim coaching I am teaching all abilities of swimmers the Ocean Walker technique across the world, as well as motivating others through talks to chase and fulfil their dreams. Working on the documentary has been a pleasure, something that I am proud to be involved with. It’s not easy as you are not just handed amazing opportunities on a plate and have to work at them, as I had to with my swims, but the rewards are worth it, bringing happiness and fulfilment into your life.
I would have never dreamt that the seven swims would create this platform from which I am able to make a real difference. All I knew is that something was driving me on inside to complete them, and I had to make it happen!
I feel like I have been reborn and had a second chance at doing something I truly believe in. Dreams can come true; you have to just find out what you want to do, step over that line and ‘Do it!’
So what’s next? Good question.
I feel my purpose is to continue to support worthwhile causes and inspire others to achieve their dreams. I will continue to coach people my Ocean Walker technique, as I passionately believe this stroke will help redefine distance swimming. The improvements experienced by people from all around the world have been significant and I feel really excited for the future.
I will continue to challenge myself in various ways, which will include swimming. I will look forward to giving more motivational talks telling my story and hopefully inspiring others to step out of their comfort zone. I feel that life has endless possibility now and that really excites me.
I want the person who reads this book to know, whatever you choose in life, that it is possible. It doesn’t have to be swimming or even a sport. There are no barriers except the ones in your mind. Dream big and know you will make it!
Never give up on your dreams!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A challenge like this cannot be undertaken without support from friends and loved ones. I have been blessed with many people who have helped me on my journey which I am truly grateful for and I owe so much to.
I would like to first give a very special mention to my girlfriend and best friend Gemma for not only helping me with the editing of the book but creating the front cover and supporting me throughout any challenges I came up against while writing it. In addition, I would also like to thank you for your support throughout my swims on and off the boat, which made it truly possible to achieve the Oceans Seven and my dream. I look forward to facing new challenges and fulfilling more dreams together. I love you so much and thank you for everything.
Also to my Mum and Dad for their ongoing support and guidance throughout my life, giving me every opportunity to follow my dreams and passions in order to shape the person I want to be. Also thank you to my Dad for instilling in me from an early age the need to push myself and give it my all in everything I do, it is now the principle I live my life by. I am very lucky to have such thoughtful, caring parents. Thanks, Mum and Dad.
Other big thank-yous:
To my brother Mark for all the help and advice you’ve given me over the years. For being someone I could look up to, providing inspiration and guidance along the way.
To my remaining family who have been there for me throughout.
Clem and Margaret Turner for not only supporting with hypnotherapy in all my swims, but in other areas of my life, lending your support unconditionally. You are two very kind, generous people with great hearts, always thinking of others.
Tracy Gjertsen at Physio Fit Lincs, Teresa Dixon and Colin Slaven. You certainly had your work cut out and I can’t thank you enough for your treatment over the years, getting me in the best possible shape for training and the channel swims.
Dean Haspey at Sports Clinical, whose treatment has helped me across the last three channel swims and ongoing, for which I am truly grateful. Thank you for keeping me in one piece and being such a good friend.
Steve Munatones for creating the Oceans Seven.
Adrian Sington and all at Kruger Cowne; Lex Sheppard; Ann Nelson at Wanaka Heights Motel; Anthony Plant; Chris Sheppard; David Annand and Zoggs; Daron Vaughan; Dwayne and Hayley Watkinson at Home Hotel; Freda Streeter; Glenn Matsumoto; Heidi and Werner Pluss at The Peppertree; Hugh Hunter; Ian Johnson; James Wilson; Jim Boucher; John Rayner; Junior Vinano; Kelley Knutson and Grant Williams at TSYS; Libby Morley and Indesit; Linda Kaiser; Mike Dailey and the Equus Hotel; Penny and Wilson Hogg; Pauline and John at Lime Tree Lodge; Richard Seals and Southwell Water Polo team; Rob Fergusson at David Lloyd; Roger North; Roger Soulsby; Simon, Neil and Will from Reckless; Stuart Parker and Jake Helm at Chelsea Health Club and Spa; Sue Murray; Terry Ellward; Tim Wright at Russell Hobbs; Toby Buchan at John Blake Publishing. Finally, Wayne A
nnan, Pauline Mills and everyone who has helped me over the years: thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A young Adam posing for a photo with Margaret (mother), Mark (brother) and Peter (father).
Adam enjoying the ocean while on holiday with his family.
Adam leading the way in a rugby training session at school.
The Walker family playing together in a cricket match in Spain. Left to right: brothers Mark and Kevin, father Peter and Adam, August 1996.
Adam looking out to sea, contemplating swimming the North Channel, August 2014.
The Portuguese man o’ war sting Adam endured during the Molokai Channel swim, June 2012: ‘these barbs can be deadly and shut down a human being’s organs.’
Climbing out of the water with relief after completing the Catalina Channel swim with one functioning arm, October 2012.
Being fed off the boat by girlfriend Gemma Clarke while friend John Rayner gives support, Tsugaru Strait, August 2013.
An unforgettable shot of a dusky dolphin in mid-air, with Adam breathing towards one of the guide boats while swimming the Cook Strait, separating New Zealand’s North and South Islands, in April 2014. Adam said ‘It felt like they were protecting me and guiding me home.’
(© Gemma Clarke)
Adam showcasing his unique ‘Ocean Walker’ technique in Wanaka, New Zealand, January 2014 (Sandy Greenway).
Man vs Ocean - One Man's Journey to Swim The World's Toughest Oceans Page 21