ter Swimmer of the Month — Capri Djatiasmoro

Many swimmers spend the winter dreaming about warmer months, when they can get out of the pool and back into the open water. Not Capri Djatiasmoro; she swims outside year-round.

A project manager for an advertising agency, Capri started volunteering at MIF races in 2003, serving as a boat official for Steven Klugman in the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim. "Steven never stopped swimming. Even when he ate, he still did the sidestroke. It was a white-knuckle finish, with Steven winning the race by a few yards. Being a part of that inspiring experience changed my life." Capri participated in three MIF races that year, and has returned as a volunteer for many more. In the future she hopes to complete the Little Red Lighthouse Swim and a 12-kilometer swim from Cozumel to Xcaret in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The daughter of an Indonesian diplomat, Capri spent her childhood in more than a half-dozen cities around the globe. But regardless of where her family lived, one thing remained constant. "I swam everywhere we went. I need to be close to the ocean. The ocean is free and open. There are no walls; no lanes. The water is clean and clear at Brighton Beach. Little black and white striped tropical fish swim with me. Big Striped Sea Bass have swum with me too. I absolutely love it."

Capri credits good genes from both sides of her family. Her Indonesian father was very serene and mystical — the name Djatiasmoro comes from the words se djati, meaning truth, and asmoro, meaning love. "I suppose that's where I get my calming peacemaker approach from." Her French-German mother was a real go-getter, who stressed independence and self-reliability. "My mother always said, 'There are talkers and doers — so just get out and do it.' So I do — I do."

That's why Capri admires open water distance swimmers and polar bears. "They get out and do it. Anything is possible. The human spirit is an enormous positive energy, and being around that kind of energy is invigorating and uplifting."

Nearly every weekend, no matter if the water is warm or cold, you will find Capri at either Coney Island or Brighton Beach, swimming with her friends from the Coney Island Polar Bear Club and/or the CIBBOWS. But then, Capri's always had trouble staying away from the water.

Yes, It takes a certain type of person to be a Coney Island Polar Bear.

I've heard the above phrases innumerable times over the past nine (9) winters since I was voted into the club. I've never seen anyone turn blue ... but I tell ya - when I emerge from the water - I'm
beet red - numb, and yet very peaceful. This is controlled hypothermia. I wouldn't do this alone. We keep an eye on each
other.

Often, they tell me when to get out. The colder the water,
the less time we stay in. In October - the water's still warm from
the summer - around 56 degrees Fahrenheit so we stay in a long
time perhaps 30 minutes or more. In January and February when the
water's in the high 30s or low 40s - we stay in about 5-10 minutes.
Perhaps you think I'm crazy but let me tell ya: " I feel great" !

My immune system is stronger. I recover faster and more completely from illness. Also, I have read some encouraging material on cold water therapy used for soft tissue recovery after an athletic workout such as running and or biking. I try to arrange my schedule so that I end my workout with a swim after a road race or a bike ride. For example, on November 11th, 2001 - I did a 5 mile road race in Great Neck, NY and then rode my bike 32 miles to Coney Island for a swim!

'Talk about tired ... Wow man! - try totally exhausted !!!
These Polar Bears are a good bunch of people ... I enjoy the
camaraderie.

a Polar Bear: Noun/ Date: 1781- a large bear that inhabits arctic regions.

Coney Island Polar Bear: An eclectic group of winter swimmers committed to enjoying a freezing cold submergence in the winter waters of Coney Island.