A MYAREE resident is one of the latest Australians to conquer the English Channel solo, and is already preparing for his next challenge.
Watched on by his father and sister, Peter Klauz (30) finished the gruelling challenge in 12 hours and 33 minutes after departing the rocky shores of Samphire Hoe in England’s south in the early hours of September 27.
“Standing on the shore at 2am in the morning, I didn’t know what to expect,” he said.
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READ NOW“I just knew that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that I needed to put one arm in front of the other.”
Despite the challenges that come with what many consider the ultimate long distance swim – with strong currents, cold water, and jellyfish to contend with – Klauz described the journey as “monotonous”.
“I was given some advice the day before the swim: Just swim to every food break. It’s all about those 30 minute milestones,” he said.
Klauz was well prepared having been set a program by Sydney-based Vladimir Mravec.
Mravec has now trained 35 solo swimmers to cross the channel.
Klauz also prepared by having stone cold showers in the months leading up, undertaking 2am training sessions in his parent’s pool, travelling to Melbourne for a cold water camp and spending hours training at Swan River and Perth beaches.
But it all paid off.
After more than 12 hours in the water, Klauz said it was “surreal” to reach France.
“I had a massive sense of relief and satisfaction,” he said.
“It was a weight off my shoulders .
“I didn’t tell many people because I didn’t want to be the guy who talks it up and fails.”
Klauz, who has a degree in medical imaging and a masters in business management, is about to sit first year law exams.
But he has already set his sights on his next challenge; a circumnavigation of Rottnest Island that starts and finishes at Cottesloe Beach.
He hopes to complete the swim at the end of March.
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