Cape man is declared a superhero by creator of Spider-Man
Monday, 18 July 2011 08:35
SUNDAY TIMES (Third Edition) 17 Jul 2011 Page 10
Cape man is declared a superhero by creator of Spider-Man
ROWAN PHILP
A CAPE Town businessman has been declared a superhero by the man who
created SpiderMan and the X-Men. This week the History Channel flew Ram Barkai,
53, to Norway to swim a kilometre in a glacial lake, a challenge which
scientists say should have killed him. Selected and filmed for the series Stan
Lee's Superhumans, Barkai swam in 1oC waters and recovered without needing any
medical attention. Lee is the creator of a number of Marvel comic-book
superheroes including Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four and Iron Man. He
selected Barkai for his TV show featuring "real-life counterparts of (his)
characters or people with unique genetic traits that translate into remarkable
powers". However, Barkai, the chief executive of financial services group Cadiz,
and a father of four, denied having any "genetic enhancements". He said his
passion for cold-water swimming, and his training in mental focus, allowed him
to survive. Andrew Zildcing, Lee's producer, said: "He had a genuine power that
took him way beyond the average human. He should have been dead, according to
our scientists, because of the cold. Any normal human would go into cold shock
which would lead to a closed windpipe and death by asphyxiation." Tim Noakes,
professor of ex- ercise and sports science at the University of Cape Town, said
Barkai, like fellow South African cold-water swimmer Lewis Pugh, had the rare
ability to avoid "overbreathing" after suffering the shock and pain of freezing
water. The hour-long Superhumans documentary featuring Barkai is to be aired
early next year.
Nuwedam Temperature
8am, 19 July: 4 °C
Directions & Maps
Click on images to enlarge
For a Google map and route directions, click here
Note: from Cape Town there are two routes to Fraserburg – either through Sutherland or to Leeu-Gamka, then left on the R353.
The Leeu-Gamka route is strongly recommended.
Entry Criteria
Entry fees:
- Ice Swim – R1000
- Endurance Swim – R600
Ice Swimmers who successfully complete the mile will qualify for membership of the IISA and receive the prestigious IISA Red Jacket
All swimmers will receive a Speedo goodie bag.
Paid entry secures the application. Refunds (minus 10% admin fee) possible only until 18 July. Thereafter at IISA management’s discretion.
Entries are capped for logistical and safety reasons.
Entry criteria:
All entrants must be fit, have adequate cold water swimming experience and must undergo a medical check, preferably by Dr Sean Gottschalk from Mediclinic or by their own medical practicioner who must complete a document here. Send this completed document to info@leapcommunications.co.za by 15 July. Additionall each entrant must undergo an ECG by Mediclinic at the Travel Clinic at the V&A Waterfront Clocktower on either 7, 8 or 14 July. Call 021 419 1888 to book.
Ice Swim applicants must have previously completed the 1 Mile Speedo Ice Swim Africa or; completed a Robben Island crossing in 13°C or lower or; have extensive cold water swimming experience; or have completed the endurance swim.
All entrants must undertake at least one vetting swim at Silvermine Dam, Cape Town, within two weeks of the event (11 & 12 July).
All entrants must undertake at least one ice bath set for Friday 15 July (1 – 2pm) and Saturday 16 July (11 – noon) at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre.
All entrants are encouraged to swim in cold water (preferably below 13°C) regularly (at least twice a week) in the weeks leading up to the event.
The Swim Committee’s decision on qualification and participation is final and will be taken in the interests of safety.
General:
Swimmers to arrange their own transport, accommodation and all meals – all for their personal account. Contact our host in Fraserburg, Ronel Le Roux, owner of Die Kliphuis Country Inn, who will refer you to various guest houses or private homes being made available for accommodation. Call her on Tel/Fax: 023-7411870 or cell:0832272407, email rler@vodamail.co.za. Die Kliphuis will offer meals throughout the weekend.
Swimmers must attend a briefing in Fraserburg on Friday 22 July at the agricultural show grounds from 6:30pm.
A traditional Karoo braai will be available at the show grounds on Friday evening 22 July after the briefing. On Saturday evening, 23 July, a pootjiekos meal and awards function will be hosted at the grounds from 6:30pm. Book in advance through Ronel at rler@vodamail.co.za and pay at the venue. A cash bar will be available.
Most accommodation will either be self catering or offer bed and breakfast. Ronel le Roux’s Kliphuis will offer meals throughout the weekend. Ideally, book in advance.
All swimmers to be at Nuwedam by 8:45am on Saturday, 23 July and conditions dependent, the first heat will commence by 9:15am.
Every swimmer must be treated in Medi-Clinic’s medical facility directly after they exit the water and may only leave once discharged by the CMO.
