James Pittar Long Distance Swimmer -- Home Page

James Pittar
Long-Distance Swimmer

You Don't Have To See It To Believe It

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Hello, and WELCOME to My Web Site

I am a blind marathon swimmer from Sydney, Australia. For me, marathon swimming is:

Australia Day Ambassador
James loves being an Australia Day Ambassador for his ninth consecutive year. He is one of approximately 200 ambassadors that have been invited as guests of honour at celebrations around NSW where he will take part in activities and events of the day, as well as deliver keynote addresses at 3 locations throughout Warrumbungle Shire – Coolah.

Sea's the Limit Swim Club Patron
	James officially became Club Patron at their Christmas Club Night, December 21, 2006. He is honoured to be involved with the organization and experience children competing while having a great time as well. The night offered a 1-lap dash with an aim to do personal best times, playing games, and enjoying a BBQ.

Fiji Ocean Swim, 14 October 2006
James won the trip to this ocean swim held on Mana Island, which features events over 3 days, from a drawing held at the 10km Cole Classic in February. The swims were great with no wind and sunny conditions. James swam the 3rd leg of a Friday Swim With The Champions which allowed anyone to get in and swim part of the course with world champions.

About 150 swimmers participated in both the 1.5km and 3km swims featured on Saturday. James swam the 3km with his mate, Chad Schneider, who touched his left leg to go left, touched his right leg to go right and grabbed both ankles to stop him. James had a magnificent time and thinks he only wiped Chad out once. It took them 54 minutes and 7 seconds to complete the swim. James sends his thanks to Chad for swimming with him.

being free
openness
feeling currents
feeling tides

feeling winds
bluebottles
waves crashing against me
hearing friendly whistle blows

As a blind marathon swimmer, I am directed by a team using a whistle system: 1 blast for left, and 2 short blasts for right.

2007 Charity Swims
James' 12.5km swim June 2, 2007, at the Sydney Football Stadium Pool, supported fundraising aimed at providing new wheelchairs and transport vans for two disabled individuals, Bourke Gibbons and Jenny Wilcockson.

Three swims were completed during consecutive weekends in August, 2007, to raise awareness and funds for the Rainbow Club, two in the USA, California and Alaska, and one in Inishbofin, Ireland.

Click here to read James' report to his sponsor, Alfred Dunhill Limited.

Six Continent Marathon Swims
A recent marathon swimming accomplishment was to complete marathon swims in each continent around the world. Click here for recaps of the experiences.

James is an Ambassador for the Rainbow Club and has raised funds for them through previous marathon swims. The Rainbow Club provides swimming and recreational programmes for disabled children.

I believe that 'Seeing Is Not Always Believing'