Being Enveloped By Mother Earth

Mike Spalding, an inductee in the Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame for his seven channel swims in the islands who has been attacked by a shark on a channel swim, had a great answer when asked why does he do channel swims.

"In the ocean, you’re totally enveloped by Mother Earth. She’s around you, she’s hugging you, she’s in every pore of your body. That’s a very special place to be."

"God’s unspoiled creation. That’s our church."

Photo of Mike and fellow Molokai Channel swimmer Kelly Gleason from Hana Hou Magazine, the magazine of Hawaiian Airlines.

Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association