Ice man swims for Superhumans series
Wednesday, 27 July 2011 09:37
NATASHA PRINCE Staff Reporter A CAPE Town businessman says he is "honoured and
humbled" to be invited to feature as a "superhuman" in a documentary, thanks to
his ability to swim in freezing glacier waters. Ram Barkai, 53, was selected to
be part of the Stan Lee series Superhumcins, a TV documentary featuring "real-life
people with unique genetic traits that translate into remarkable powers". Barkai,
chief executive of financial services group Cadiz, will appear in the show as an
Ice Swimmer. Lee is the creative mind behind several Marvel comicbook
superheroes, including Iron Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four and Spider Man.
Last week Barkai was flown to Norway by a film crew of the History Channel to
swim a kilometre in a glacier lake. He swam effortlessly in 1oC waters, without
needing medical attention - a feat scientists reportedly said should have killed
him. Andrew Zikking, series producer for Off the Fence Productions, said they
had already filmed one ice swimmer, Scandinavian Wim Hoff. But they selected
Barkai to "see if he could push it to the next level". "We're looking for people
who go beyond human capabilities. That's how we came across him," Zikking said.
"Any normal human would go into cold shock, which would lead to a closed
windpipe and death by asphyxiation," he said. "But he has managed to train his
body and mind, and was able to cope. We were monitoring him with a thermo-imaging
camera to see how his body was reacting, and he was really suffering because it
was so extreme." The swims took place in the Folgefonna Glacier lake on the west
coast of Norway. Although it was midsummer in Norway, the weather was colder
than midwinter in Cape Town. Yesterday Barkai said he was looking forward to
seeing the programme when it was aired in South Africa. They finished filming
last Monday, and he had since been subjected to several scientific tests. "There
was a lot of shooting and getting wet and very cold, until we reached the final
challenge which was the one kilometre." When he was first approached, Barkai
admitted it took some convincing to make him believe it was a real documentary "But
once I was convinced it was real, I was very honoured and humbled." He added
that he "definitely" was not a superhero. "It's all in one's mind. I believe
every human has massive potential within." , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it EXTREME
FEAT: Cape Town businessman Ram Barkai, whose ice-swimming abilities have won
him a spot in a Stan Lee series, Superhumans.
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.
