Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Laura! I moved to the Okanagan in May 2013 from Oakville, Ontario and I’ve never looked back. I love everything about the area: great skiing, wine, fruit, and a summer full of sunshine what more could you need?!

How long have you been swimming?

I started swimming when I was just 6 years old, my very first swim coach was Emil Dimitrov (fun fact: he now is the Liquid Lighting head coach). Emil made swimming so much fun I couldn’t imagine not spending all my time in the pool. This love of the pool allowed me to swim for McMaster University and continue now as a masters swimmer with the Okanagan Master Swim Club. You could say I’m a bit of a pool baby. Keyword: pool. I’ve always be terrified of open water swimming, so 2014 is the year I crush my fears.

Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?

I chose to sign up for the Across the Lake Swim to get over my fear of open water swimming. For someone who has been swimming their whole life it’s seems a bit silly that I avoid the open water scene. I’m not sure why I have this fear, I blame Shark Week and River Monsters!

Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?

I want to swim across the lake to prove to myself that I can do it!

Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?

The biggest challenge won’t be the distance for me it is the mental challenge of staying calm and swimming on!

Do you have a fear about swimming across a lake and if so, how do you plan to overcome it?

I plan to over come my fear by swimming in the lake throughout the summer and keeping a positive attitude.

Can you give us a quick overview of your training?

The main part of my training will be swimming in the lake at the Gyro swim loop. I did a bit of swimming there last summer it’s a great place for all ability levels, there is a sandy bottoms and you can almost touch the whole way. Every time I went for a dip there were always people swimming, a great environment!

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

What I love about swimming is that you’re shut out from the rest of the world. Once your head is in the water it’s like putting an off switch on the world and it us just you and the water, I absolutely love that. Another aspect is the social part of it over the years I’ve collected some of my closest friends from swimming, it’s always more fun swimming with a buddy that alone.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out?

The biggest tip I can give to someone starting out is to have fun and remember that you are one step ahead of everyone who’s sitting at home.

What is your one killer swim tip?

Keep Calm and Swim On!

Thanks Laura for sharing your story! Keep calm and swim on!