Lewis Gordon Pugh is an inspirational pioneer who is best known for becoming the first person to undertake a long distance swim across the Geographic North Pole in 2007. In addition to this he has pioneered swims around more famous landmarks than anyone else and is the only swimmer to have completed a long distance swim in every ocean in the world.
Whilst the swimming is feat enough he actually has a vision, which is to raise awareness of our impact on the environment and to encourage everyone to work together for a sustainable, healthy future.
This week, as you may already know, Lewis completed the highest swim ever undertaken: 1km in 1 degree centigrade water beside the Khumbu Glacier under the summit of Mount Everest. His objective is to draw attention to the melting of the Asian glaciers, which are responsible for the water supply to almost a third of the world’s population who live in India, China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Bhutan. Click the images below to see the full versions.
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We caught up with Lewis…
Bradley: Hi Lewis, congratulations on your awesome swim at Pumori Lake. Whilst swimming what do you think about – the short term goal (getting across), the long term goal (spreading awareness of the effects of climate change) or do you block it all out and just focus stroke by stroke?
Lewis: Mt Everest is one of the most hostile environments in the world. It’s very cold and the air is thin. So the most basic task takes your breath away. Simply tying a shoe lace can take a minute. So all I thought about was trying to swim as slow as possible. If you try and swim fast you will be gasping in seconds – then it’s all over. I learnt very quickly during the training, that you can’t bully Mt Everest with speed and aggression. Humility is required.
Bradley: As surfers we’re noticing the effects of climate change more so than many others. Rising water levels and coral bleaching being two very noticeable signs. Would you consider a swim across the length of a section of, for example, the Great Barrier Reef? It would be a lot warmer!
Lewis: Sounds tempting. I have had too much cold water this year!
Bradley: In your swims particularly around Cape Town have you ever worried about or been worried by sharks? Maybe spotted a killer whale or two in the colder climes?
Lewis: I would be lying if I did not say it was often on my mind. I am now living in Cape Town, and we have had a few fatal shark attacks recently. A friend also had his leg ripped off by a great white shark. So I try and have as many spotters looking out for me as possible.
Bradley: Most people we know want to make a change for the positive. Do you have any advice for how each of us can try and do something worthwhile for our planet as individuals?
Lewis: When I was a kid, my father used to take me to national parks. He had been at a number of British atomic bomb tests in Australia as a naval surgeon. He witnessed how destructive we are. He used to say “we will only ever protect those things, which we love.” So after these experiences, he wanted me to love and protect the environment. I would like to see every Australian child visit a national park every year. That way you will develop a whole generation of citizens who love and protect your natural resources.
Bradley: Finally, being a waterman, have you done much surfing? Do you have any favourite memories?
Lewis: Unfortunately not. But I used to be a lifesaver – so have caught many waves on malibu boards and surf skis…
Bradley: …a mal is still a surfboard in our books! Thanks very much for your time and congratulations again on the Mt Everest success.
Find out more about Lewis at his website: www.lewispugh.com