Congratulations to Jaime Lomelin Gavaldon on completing the Tsugaru Strait!


Swim date: 3rd September 2026

Age: 63

Nationality: Mexico

Country of Residence: Mexico

Swim Start Time: 3:34

Swim Finish Time: 14:16

Completion Time: 10 hours 39 minutes 15 seconds
Swim Distance: approximately 40.5km

Swimming Style: Free style

Water Temperature: 24.2℃ – 26.0℃ *Sea Surface Temperature

Air Temperature: 24.1℃ – 27.8℃

Relative Humidity: 72％ – 92％

Wave Height: 0.3m – 1.2m

Wind Speed: 1.8m – 6.0m

Stroke Rate Per 60 seconds: 56 – 60

Observer’s comment

On the day of the swim, the waves were high from the very start, and the current flowing towards Kodomari Port made it difficult for him to make progress. Despite this, Jaime remained composed and continued swimming calmly without becoming frustrated.

About two and a half hours into the swim, as the waves began to settle slightly, we spotted a shark’s fin and instructed Jaime to stay as close to the escort boat as possible. After spotting the fin several times, we then saw the back of a whale! It seemed that the whale had been chasing the shark that was following Jaime. Eventually, the shark disappeared, and the whale that had been pursuing it began swimming alongside Jaime. It appeared to be a curious young whale. What a wonderful support swimmer!

Maybe this unexpected companion brought Jaime a little good luck? Fortunately, a strong current from the south pushed Jaime northwards so the effects of the challenging section known as the ‘Devil’s Strait’ were reduced. However, unlike earlier in the swim, he began to drift eastwards around the time he passed through this section, and there were moments when I felt concerned. I was relieved when he caught a current that carried him towards the shore along the Hokkaido coast.

Even as he drew closer to shore, the current kept changing, making it a challenging stretch of the swim. Throughout, however, Jaime stayed composed and maintained a powerful stroke. At 63, he is the oldest swimmer the Tsugaru Strait Swimming Federation has supported to date, yet his strong swimming never once gave that impression. His performance was truly remarkable.

Jaime, congratulations on completing the Tsugaru Strait crossing! You are now just one more channel away from completing the Ocean’s Seven. We look forward to hearing the good news of you completing the Oceans Seven soon!

Observer: Yuka Itō