Man Swims Around Manhattan in Handcuffs, Sets Two Guinness World Records

The "Felony-Flavored" Feat

• 🏊 Michael Maro, a 49-year-old creative director, completed a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan Island while wearing handcuffs.
• 🌊 The challenging route took him through the East River, Harlem River, and down the Hudson River, enduring strong currents and potential hazards.

Overcoming Obstacles and Setting Records

• ⏱️ The swim took under 10 hours, a feat comparable to watching all three Lord of the Rings movies back-to-back.
• 🏆 Maro achieved two Guinness World Records for his extraordinary accomplishment.
• ⚠️ He faced significant dangers, including nearly being pulled under a barge and developing cellulitis in both legs, a bacterial infection.

Motivation and Technique

• 🧠 Maro's motivation was to master his inner merman, not kink, as stated by his support crew.
• 🦵 He strategically relied on his breaststroke kick for propulsion, as 90% of swimming power typically comes from the arms.
• ✨ A support crew, including his sister, a boat captain, a kayaker, and fellow swimmer Capri, assisted him during the endurance challenge.

The "High" of the Swim

• 🎢 Capri, co-founder of Coney Island Brighton Beach openwater swimmers, described the post-swim feeling as being "high as a kite."
• 🧘 This sensation is likened to the high after a great workout or incredible sex for non-swimmers.