Sailing/swimming is necessary, living is not necessary.

Inspired by a poem of Fernando Pessoa

One day I thought: I’m going to Glasgow, to COP 26 (the Climate Change COP in November 2021) by bicycle. I went to buy a bike from a man who used to rent them to tourists but went bankrupt during the pandemic. I trained a little during the summer, and in October, I hit the road alone. But that’s not the story. When I arrived in Portsmouth, I stayed at a lady’s house who rented out rooms. She told me: "Tomorrow morning, don’t be alarmed if you find the house empty, I’m going for a swim in the sea—I do it every Tuesday with some friends." I replied, "I envy you! If I had a swimsuit, I’d go with you." To which she answered, "That’s no problem, I’ll lend you one of mine." That was my baptism into winter swimming—pseudo-swimming, really (we only stayed in the water for about five minutes)—experiencing that energizing cold water, which gives a certain feeling of invincibility. I was hooked and inspired for the rainy days ahead until I reached Scotland
When I returned to Portugal, the country by the sea, I wanted to continue this adventure of going to the ocean year-round and swimming a little. By coincidence, Chiara, a longtime friend, told me she had also started swimming. It was the right encouragement at the right time. I bought a short-sleeved and short-legged wetsuit—since I like the cold—along with a swim cap, goggles, and a buoy. Throughout that winter, we went to Caxias once or twice a week. One day, we took part in a competition, swimming from Tamariz to the fishermen’s beach in Cascais—one of those races where athletes also pull canoes carrying people who cannot swim. And yet, I still came in last place. But at least I got to hear my name announced over the loudspeakers: "… and now, finally… Sofia…"
Life took me away from Portugal for two years, and now, in 2024, I have returned. Chiara, now even more light-years ahead of my little strokes, won’t let me give up, so I started swimming again at Jamor and occasionally at the beach. Now I also have some lessons at Jamor and am improving little by little—just enough for me, as I have only two goals: to have an immense amount of fun (I love the sea) and to avoid injuries. If I swim better, a little faster, and last longer, even better.
One day, I walked from Lisbon to Porto, I cycled to Glasgow, and this year, to celebrate my 60th birthday, I rode the 738 km of the N2 by bike. Always with little training and without even being particularly fit. I’ve always believed that all it takes is to enjoy it, to want it, and not to mind doing things slowly. Little turtle… 🐢
Swimming is the same—I enjoy it and I want it, so you might find me out there in our salty sea. If you see someone swimming slowly, you’ll know—it’s probably me…

Sofia Guedes