Endurance swimmers test the limits in open waters

This is not your typical pool party.

This is open-water swimming, and it is challenging.

On Saturday, at Deer Creek Reservoir in Provo Canyon, dozens of Utah's strongest swimmers will hop into the water and, stroke after stroke, swim as far as 10 miles.

Others will go 10 kilometers, some five kilometers and others just a mile.

All will be part of a growing family of endurance athletes who push themselves to the limits in ways few others do.

"They kind of think you're crazy," said Gordon Gridley, a Bountiful resident who will plunge into the water for the 10-mile swim on Saturday, referring to the reaction he gets when he explains his addiction to open water.

"They just can't believe it."

Considering most adults rarely swim farther than from the diving board at the community pool to the side to get out, the idea of swimming mile after mile does sound a little crazy. But according to those who love the sport, it is remarkably easy — once you dive into it.

"It's a lot more fun than swimming in the pool," said Salt Lake's John Karren, who will test himself Saturday in the 10K division. "If you get into a good rhythm, you really can go as long as you want to."

For some, the sport is a part of their lives because they are triathletes. As the first part of most triathlons, swimming long distances is just part of the training. But training in three different sports for several hours per week can cause one to gravitate to one particular sport — swimming, easily the lowest-impact part of a triathlon — has become the focus for many.

"It's relaxing," Gridley said. "For me, swimming long distances is just like going for a long walk. I get started, settle in, and I could swim all day."

The Deer Creek Open Water Marathon won't be all day, though. Even those braving the water for 10 miles will probably finish in four or five hours. With the aid of a support vehicle, usually a friend in a kayak carrying the drinking water and nutrition an endurance athlete needs, the swimmers will leave shore and are not allowed other assistance until they either finish the race or give up.

Swimming in a large body of water is much different than putting in several dozen laps at the recreation center. Winds create waves, gravity creates currents and an unexpected storm can create a deadly environment.