Steven Munatones’ Marathon Swim Story

Today I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Steven Munatones. Openwaterpedia (one of the many open water resources that Steve has created) lists him as a water polo player and open water swimmer. But a quick search on the Marathon Swimmers Federation project, longswims database, exposes a marathon swimming history on the international pro tour!

In our conversation today, Steve walks us through his experience growing up swimming last in the fast lane, behind national team and Olympic pool swimmers. Before discovering his talent in the open water that landed him on the international stage, representing the United States of America, for long distance marathon swimming. Only to come home and find out that open water swimming does not get coverage in traditional swimming periodicals.

This was the late 70’s you guys, there was no internet! Fortunately, Steve is not afraid to put his pen to paper and reach out to… well, anyone! First and foremost is Swimming World magazine. Over time he creates a compendium of open water swim knowledge by writing letters to people he meets on the international marathon swim circuit. Cataloging open water swim events, best practices, you name it.

Steve humbly states that he prefers to highlight your achievements rather than discuss his own, but his is a story you don’t want to miss!

In his own words: Steven Munatones is the CEO of KAATSU Global who has coached 9 USA Swimming national open water swimming teams and started Openwaterpedia, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, WOWSA Awards, Global Open Water Swimming Conference, Oceans Seven, and came up with vernacular from bioprene to the Mellouli Double.

KAATSU Global Blog: November 2019 (kaatsublog.com)