Josef Köberl 'accept' sharks, sea lions and jellyfish: 'Otherwise you don't have to go to sea'

Josef Köberl, a 49-year-old Austrian extreme swimmer based in Vienna, has accepted the risks of swimming with sharks, seals, and jellyfish during his attempt to cross the 32-kilometre Catalina Channel in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. The swim, which he plans to start late Thursday night, is part of his quest to complete the "Oceans Seven," a series of seven challenging open-water swims considered the equivalent of climbing the Seven Summits. If successful, Köberl will become the first Austrian to achieve this feat. Köberl's journey began earlier this year with the completion of four of the seven challenges, including the English Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, the Cook Strait between New Zealand’s islands, and the North Channel between Northern Ireland and Scotland. He now faces three remaining swims: the Catalina Channel, the Tsugaru Strait in Japan, and the Kaiwi Channel in Hawaii. Each swim presents unique physical and environmental challenges, requiring months of preparation and a dedicated support team. The Catalina Channel, located between Catalina Island and the mainland, is one of the most famous and difficult swims in the world. It was first swum by Canadian George Young in January 1927, taking him nearly 16 hours to complete. Today, elite swimmers can finish the channel in less than half that time. However, Köberl is not primarily focused on speed. Instead, he views each swim as part of a long journey involving extensive preparation, decision-making, and teamwork. "I am ready to push my limits, fight, and pay the price for realizing my dream," Köberl said. "It doesn't mean I seek pain, but I know great dreams have their cost." His approach reflects a deep commitment to endurance sports, where mental resilience often plays as crucial a role as physical strength. Köberl's experience in cold water is well documented. Standing in an ice-filled cabin for two-and-a-half hours, he set records for the longest duration of full-body contact with ice. This affinity for cold environments contrasts with the conditions he expects in the Catalina Channel, where water temperatures are expected to hover around 20 degrees Celsius, considered too warm for his usual training regimen. Despite the relatively warmer waters, the Catalina Channel poses its own dangers. Swimming at night adds another layer of complexity, as visibility is severely limited. Köberl acknowledges the presence of marine life such as sharks, seals, and jellyfish, though he notes that the number of jellyfish might be lower compared to previous swims. Still, the potential encounters with larger sea creatures remain a concern. Köberl will begin his swim from San Pedro on the mainland, traveling by boat to Catalina Island before starting his crossing at 11:30 p.m. local time. The darkness offers some advantages, as cooler water temperatures could help manage body heat more effectively. However, the lack of light increases the risk of disorientation and makes navigation more challenging. His performance in previous swims provides insight into how he might handle the Catalina Channel. In the Cook Strait and the North Channel, he endured temperatures ranging from 13 to 14 degrees Celsius, spending nearly nine and 14 hours respectively in turbulent waters. While the Catalina Channel may seem less daunting, the unpredictability of ocean conditions means nothing is certain. Köberl's goal extends beyond personal achievement. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and the collective effort required to tackle such challenges. "Many see only the start and the finish. What remains hidden are the months of preparation, countless decisions, and an incredible team behind me," he explained. As he prepares for the swim, Köberl remains focused on the task ahead. Whether he succeeds in completing the Catalina Channel will determine whether he moves closer to becoming one of the select few who have completed all seven swims. For now, he is determined to face whatever the ocean throws his way.