Athlete completes marathon swim of Okanagan Lake

He also raised over $31,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Donations can be made here.

Pelletier started his swim at the Vernon end of the lake on Tuesday morning, Aug. 1.

His support staff say a shoulder injury early in his swim impacted his ability to try and break the record.

Swimmer nearing end of world record attempt on Okanagan Lake
Aug. 3, 2023 4 p.m.

A Kelowna athlete is on the home stretch and headed for Penticton in his attempt to set a world record by swimming from one end of Okanagan Lake to the other.

Nick Pelletier is trying to finish the 106-kilometre trek, which started in Vernon on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in less than 40 hours, 57 minutes, and 11 seconds, the record set in 2016.

Click here to track his progress.

The journey is raising money for the Canadian Mental Health Association with close to $20,000 donated so far.

Donations can be made here.

Background story on Nick Pelletier from Kelowna 10

Kelowna ultra-endurance athlete, Nick Pelletier, has already accomplished extraordinary feats that many of us would not even dare try.

Among his impressive achievements are cycling across Mexico and paddle across Okanagan Lake.

Now, fueled by a thirst for new challenges, Nick is setting his sights on yet another awe-inspiring endeavor. He’s preparing for his third attempt to conquer Okanagan Lake through a grueling swimming expedition.

His ultimate goal is to break the existing world record: 40 hours, 57 minutes, and 11 seconds, established in 2016.

The 106-kilometer journey will start at the northern portion of Okanagan Lake in Vernon, and finish in Penticton.

“I’m feeling good physically,” he told Kelowna10 during his final preparation for the big attempt. “I’ve been about as fit as I’m going to get. So I’m just kind of waiting to go right now.. Mentally I’m feeling good. Been doing a lot of training out there [in the lake] and just getting into that mindset now, and just finishing off the last little logistical things and just excited to get going.”

During his mammoth challenge there will always be one pontoon boat in the water, and a second boat shuttling Nick’s crew every eight hours to provide fresh support. There will also be two kayaks accompanying him, one for sighting purposes, and the other to deliver food from the main boat.

In his previous attempts in recent years , Pelletier faced challenges. During his first try, he experienced chafing from the wetsuit, leading to skin damage and hypothermia. In the second attempt, he changed wetsuits to fix the chafing but encountered a shoulder and wrist injury, leaving his fingers numb and unable to continue.

However, this year, he’s been focused on making the necessary changes that look to make a significant difference.

“I’ve been preparing a lot more shoulder strengthening stuff, it’s just been a lot bigger structure wise for training, and swimming,” he explained. “Hopefully, with the wetsuit being figured out for chafing and the stronger shoulders and everything, this will be the year.”

Pelletier openly admits that his greatest fear revolves around not fulfilling his true potential. Despite an impressive track record of intense achievements, he views them as stepping stones towards even greater feats. He also encourages others to adopt this formula for greatness, believing that anyone can use their past achievements as a platform to reach new heights and accomplish remarkable things in their own lives.

“You can utilize these same launches that you learn in ultra-endurance throughout any aspect in your life and they can be used in anybody’s life. It doesn’t have to be an athlete,” he said. “It’s just a personal challenge and reach my potential and inspiring others to find their Okanagan Lake swim and tackle a goal.”

The gruelling journey begins August 1st- 3rd and will be raising money for the Canadian Mental Health Association with a goal of $10,000.

Donations can be made online.

by Pete McIntyre

Athlete completes marathon swim of Okanagan Lake

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