Glimpses of Coastal Odyssey 2025 endurance swim in South Goa

Franky Gracias

ENDURANCE ENDEAVOUR

On January 12, 2025, Goa witnessed a historic feat of endurance as swimmers took on the Coastal Odyssey, a challenging 20-km swim along the scenic southern coast.

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | 20-km challenge | Goa coastline | Swim history | Photo: GOWSC

UP FOR IT

Twenty four elite open water swimmers from across India gathered in South Goa for an extraordinary marathon swim from Valor Beach (Consua) to Zalor Beach (Fatrade).

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | Ready for the challenge | Goa coastline | Marathon swim | Endurance | Photo: GOWSC

THE VISIONARIES

The swim was the brainchild of Elias Patel (right) Minal Kansara (left), and Nicole Pavri (centre), the co-founders of Goa Open Water Swim Club (GOWSC). Their objective: Place Goa on the map as a destination for marathon swimmers.

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | The founders | Goa swim club | Goa open water swim destination | Photo: GOWSC

START OF A DREAM

What started as a passion in 2015, by a group of friends, grew into the Goa Open Water Swimming Club, now offering training camps and long-distance swims.

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | Dream and vision| Open water swimmers | Goa coastline | Beach swimming | Photo: GOWSC

THE CHALLENGES

The Coastal Odyssey featured three formats: 20 km solo swim; 2 x 10 km two-person relay; and 4 x 5 km four-person relay.

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | Team work | Swim formats | Stunning coastline | Swim challenge | Photo: GOWSC

SOME OF THE BEST

Swimmers from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad joined the challenge, with many having completed the English Channel swim and now aiming for the Ocean’s Seven Challenge!

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | India swimmers | Goa coastline | English channel swimmers | Photo: GOWSC

WELL-SUPPORTED

Safety was a priority, with a dedicated support crew of 14 instructors, 3 boats, 3 kayaks, and lifeguards from Drishti ensuring swimmers were well looked after.

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | Safety first| Kayak support | Lifeguards Drishti Marine | Photo: GOWSC

THE START

The swimmers jumped into the water at 7.30 am. Relay teams swapped every 2.5 hours, making their way across the stunning 20-km stretch of the coastline.

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | Team work | Relay teams | Stunning coastline | Photo: GOWSC

OVERCOMING HURDLES

While the swimmers initially encountered jellyfish, they pushed through with determination. The second half of the swim was tough, with rising winds testing their endurance.

Coastal Odyssey 2025 | Open water swim | Jellyfish scare | Determination | Obstacles | Photo: GOWSC

TRIUMPH OF WILLPOWER

The final swimmer exited the water at 5.15 pm. With huge smiles and hearts full of pride, each swimmer celebrated the incredible feat they’d accomplished.

Goa swim | Coastal Odyssey 2025 | The last man | Accomplishment | Proud moment | Photo: GOWSC

THE AWARDS

A celebratory dinner followed, where each swimmer was awarded custom t-shirts and mementos to commemorate this ground-breaking event.

Swim commemoration | Celebrating success | Memorable moments | Coastal Odyssey 2025 | Photo: GOWSC

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The Coastal Odyssey is now set to become an annual event, establishing Goa as the ultimate destination for open water swimming. Mark your calendars for 2026!

Get ready | Coastal Odyssey 2026 | Goa open water | Swim Goa | Swim India | Photo: GOWSC

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