Antarctic Circle Ice Challenge

Antarctic Circle Ice Challenge was a series of unprecedented solo Ice Mile attempts by six South African ice swimmers south of the Antarctic Circle at 66.5622° South. It was a charity swim that supported two causes: SASSI or the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative and the SEAL Open Water Swimming Trust.

Conditions and Locations

Unpredictable weather conditions, strong currents, and lots of floating ice resulted in 6 open water swims in Neko Harbour (where Lynne Cox conducted the first Antarctica swim) and in Paradise Harbour at around 65° South.

On 1 March 2014, Ryan Stramrood completed an Ice Mile in 32 minutes 8 seconds in -1.00°C water in Neko Harbour, Antarctica among leopard seals, icebergs, and orcas.
On 1 March 2014, Ram Barkai completed a 1.2 km Ice Kilometer swim in 31 minutes 0 seconds in -1.00°C water in Neko Harbour, Antarctica among leopard seals, icebergs, and orcas.
On 1 March 2014, Kieron Palframan completed a 1.54 km Ice Kilometer swim in 33 minutes 0 seconds in Neko Harbour, Antarctica among leopard seals, icebergs, and orcas.
On 2 March 2014, Andrew Chin completed a 1 km Ice Kilometer swim in 14 minutes 0 seconds in Paradise Harbour, Antarctica in -1.00ºC (30.2ºF) water among icebergs and orcas.
On 2 March 2014, Toks Viviers completed an Ice Mile in 25 minutes 30 seconds in Paradise Harbour, Antarctica in 0.50ºC water among icebergs and orcas.
On 2 March 2014, Gavin Pike completed an Ice Mile in 25 minutes 57 seconds in Paradise Harbour, Antarctica in 0.50ºC water among icebergs and orcas.

The Antarctic Circle Challenge is an Honor Event in the Class of 2020 of the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame.