Russ Cook, known as the Hardest Geezer, is preparing to swim across the Drake Passage, the world’s most dangerous waters.
Russ Cook, also called the Tough Guy, is getting ready for a very tough challenge that could make him famous for doing something super hard.
The 27-year-old adventurer recently completed an impressive journey, running the entire length of Africa.
Now, he is setting his sights on a bold new challenge: swimming across the infamous Drake Passage.
The Drake Passage is located between Antarctica and South America. It is known for being one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world.
Its narrow expanse, approximately 1000km wide, poses a formidable obstacle to even the most seasoned of adventurers.
Hardest Geezer plans to be the first person to swim the world’s most dangerous water
Cook recently shared his thoughts on social media platform X about taking on this challenging journey.
He seeks feedback from his followers about what they think is the ultimate uncharted endurance challenge that could be achieved.
His plan includes starting at the South Pole and walking across Antarctica on foot.
He would then swim through the icy Drake Passage, run through the Americas, including the difficult Darien Gap, and finish by crossing to the North Pole in winter.
A monumental test of physical and mental fortitude, spanning over two years with a daily marathon regimen.
“What is the most difficult endurance challenge you can think of that has never been done, but you think is humanly possible?” he wrote to his 349,600 followers.
“Pole to pole gotta be up there,” he continued in a separate post.
“Start in the South Pole, cross Antarctica on foot, then swim across Drakes Passage,
run the Americas including the Darien Gap, cross over during winter to the North Pole. 2+ years of a marathon every day. Possible?”
The Challenges of the Drake Passage
Powerful currents and fierce waves contribute to the Drake Passage’s well-founded reputation for treacherous conditions. Its remote location makes navigating these waters particularly dangerous.
It is a place where nature asserts its dominance, unforgiving and relentless in its challenges.
While some brave souls have rowed parts of the Passage, the entire length remains unconquered by any swimmer.
Cook remains undeterred by the daunting odds and believes that swimming in this deadly sea is possible. He sees it as an achievable feat waiting to be accomplished.
“Widely known as the deadliest sea in the world. Never been swam before,” Cook continued to write.
“Heard of a few mad men rowed it though. My feeling is that swimming it is possible.”
He added: “Would be interested to hear the opinions of people that have worked out in that area.”
Remarkable feats in extreme swimming and rowing
Chilean ice swimmer Barbara Hernandez demonstrated remarkable courage and endurance by completing a significant swim in the Drake Passage.
She successfully swam 1,852 meters through the icy waters, marking an impressive achievement in extreme swimming.
Her remarkable feat earned her recognition from the Guinness World Record for the fastest mile swim across the Passage.
Before Hernandez’s accomplishment, a team of six athletes etched their names in history by becoming the first to navigate the Drake Passage in a rowing expedition.
Their 12-day odyssey, chronicled in the documentary “Impossible Row,” showcased the sheer determination and grit required to conquer this formidable waterway.