REAL ESTATE REAL COMMITMENT relentlessly lo cal™ real estate experts • Combined Real Estate Experience of 36+ Years • Concierge Style Service • Bespoke Marketing Program • Arizona Natives DALLAS PEAGLER, REALTOR® 602.821.9494 | Dallas@TheBrokery.com BREENA WESTFALL, REALTOR® 480.266.8313 | Breena@TheBrokery.com 24 JULY 2024 By Sherry Sklar Four local women took on a monumental challenge known as the SCAR Swim, a 4-stage open-water swim running 40 miles through four lakes in four days. The grueling competition was the ideal event for friends Susie Paul, Marnie Whitley, Dana Price and Kerston Corns. Bound by their friendship and shared love for open-water swimming, they embarked on a journey that tested their endurance and drew on their camaraderie and personal resolve. Held annually in April, the 40-mile SCAR Swim gets its name from the four Salt River Project reservoir lakes it goes through, in upstream order: Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt. This year, there were 55 swimmers who signed up and lined up to tackle the largest open-water race in the state of Arizona. Saguaro Lake is considered the warm-up swim at 9.5 miles. Up next is Canyon Lake – known as the coldest part of the swim – that spans nine miles. Apache is the longest stretch at 17 miles, and swimmers finish up with six miles at Roosevelt. “I’ve participated in this event in some form or fashion seven times since 2014,” Paul said. “Each event is different, shaped by what’s happening in my life at the time. Swimming has been incredibly therapeutic for me.” Whitley, who joined the swim a few years ago, agreed. “I met Susie through the Phoenix Swim Club around 2021. I used to swim at the slow end while Susie was at the fast end,” she recalled. “She encouraged me to consider SCAR, and initially, I didn’t think I could do it, but her encouragement pushed me to try.” Swimming has become a sanctuary for Paul, helping her navigate through traumatic experiences. “Swimming SCAR helped me process PTSD after a near-fatal plane crash,” she said. “I swam all the anxiety away.” Whitley echoed similar sentiments, saying she finds solace and joy in the open waters amidst breathtaking scenery and a supportive community. Each lake presents unique challenges, testing the women’s endurance and mental resilience. “The relentless wind at Canyon Lake this year was particularly tough,” Paul said. Whitley, who completed all four lakes, describes Canyon Lake as the most difficult, “But finishing all four lakes was an amazing feeling,” she said. Safety is a significant concern for open-water swimmers. While there isn’t a designated area at some lakes, participants take precautions like staying close to shore and using safety buoys. They also protect their skin from the elements with copious amounts of Desitin (yes, the diaper rash cream). The triple-paste formula provides an effective barrier against the sun and wind. Although the series is held in the landlocked state of Arizona, its origin story is connected to England. Kent Nicholas, a seasoned marathon swimmer and native Mesa resident, went looking for a local stand-in to train for his upcoming English Channel Swim, which stretches 21 miles from Dover, England, to Calais, France, and is one of the world’s most challenging open water swims. In preparation, Nicholas swam in Arizona’s SRP lakes, recreating the Channel’s conditions, including a night swim through Roosevelt Lake. This experience led to the creation of the SCAR Series in 2012. In 2024, the event drew athletes from across the globe to Arizona waters. Its growth mirrors the broader evolution of open-water swimming, which has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among younger athletes. “Marathon swimming has become a sport in its own right, attracting a diverse range of participants,” Paul said. “The SCAR Swim started with Kent’s vision and has become one of the world’s top open water swimming events.” For those interested in testing the course, Price recommends starting with the Roosevelt Lake segment, which spans 6.2 miles. “It’s important to begin slowly and gradually increase your endurance over time. A coach can make a significant difference in refining your swim stroke, maximizing efficiency, and preventing injuries,” she explains. “Always be curious. Don’t be afraid to try new things,” Paul added. “The friendships and experiences I’ve gained are invaluable. I have met people from all over the world. There’s so much more to starting than just finishing.” Susie, Marnie, Dana, and Kerston hope to inspire others to embrace challenges and pursue dreams. Their journey is a testament to the strength of belief and the unwavering support of friendship, showing that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single stroke. scarswim.com Four Arcadia ladies take on the SCAR Dana Price, Susie Paul, Marnie Whitley and Kerston Corns. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSIE PAUL

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