Interview with Erica Barajas, Buoy Selfie of the Month Winner January 2022
There was a runaway winner in the January 2022 Buoy Selfie of the Month Contest. We interviewed winner Erica Barajas, whose creative half-underwater selfie was a hit with the open water swimming community.
Each month, Odyssey Open Water Swimming names a Buoy Selfie of the Month based on the votes of the local open water swimming community. The contest includes 4-5 Buoy Selfie of the Week winners. The winner gets to choose their favorite piece of Odyssey apparel. Erica chose a neon Odyssey Open Water Swimming tank top, which is currently on the way to Erica.
Here’s our interview with Erica:
Question: When did you start swimming in the open, and why?
Erica Barajas: I started swimming in the open in December 2021. I wanted to make sure I enjoyed it before registering for a sprint distance triathlon this spring.
Q: What is your favorite part about open water swimming?
Erica: Each swim I’ve done so far has presented unique physical challenges, from choppy water to cold air and even a lost pair of goggles. I like the feeling of overcoming a challenge many people haven’t faced.
Q: What has been your favorite swim and why?
Erica: My most recent swim is my favorite so far. The air temperature was much warmer than the water, and my husband brought my kids to see me swim. It was really fun to swim back to the dock and see their smiling faces.
Q: Why do you swim with Odyssey Open Water?
Erica: I really appreciate the kayak and boat support for safety, and the folks checking us in and out are always super helpful if I have questions. It's a great resource for someone new to the sport. I also swim with Odyssey to connect with folks with similar interests.
Q: What is your favorite part about swimming with Odyssey, and why should other people join us?
Erica: My favorite part about swimming with Odyssey is that I feel safe and supported. Other people should join us if they are curious about open water swimming and not sure how to get started, or if they already swim in the open and want to connect with others.
Q: The water temp has dropped, but you're still swimming with us. How cold is too cold? What's your advice for swimming in the cold for other swimmers?
Erica: Too cold for me would be ice floating on the surface. I’m looking forward to trying a swim over summer without a wetsuit! It’s been super helpful to wear earplugs under a thermal cap and to have a warm drink and hot shower afterwards.
Q: What inspired your buoy selfie?
Erica: My identity as a visual artist came through on the selfie where I was half underwater. I was trying to make something that would stand out from the crowd. The selfie cam is a nice motivator, and it makes it fun to have a visual artifact from each time I swim.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
Erica: Only my gratitude for everyone who makes Odyssey operate so smoothly! Thanks so much!
Thank YOU Erica!
To take your own buoy selfie with Odyssey, join us for a Berkeley swim. Learn more and register here!