Hi, I'm Ray Gandy and I am an open water marathon swimmer.  This past summer, July 2011, I swam for 27 hours and 42 minutes covering 45.6 miles in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.  It was the longest and furthest I have ever swum.  More importantly, this one event raised over $11,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  As a result of this swim, I was nominated for the World Open Water Swim Association (WOWSA) Performance of the Year.  You can read my nomination and vote HERE.

In 2010, I swam around the island of Conanicut, RI twice covering 41.2 miles in 20 hours and 17 minutes.  As a result of that swim, the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame recognized me with 2 World Records - the first person to swim around Conanicut Island and the first person to circumnavigate the island twice! 

In 2009, I successfully crossed the English Channel in 13 hours and 34 minutes and became the first and only Rhode Islander to do so.  

Why do I do this?

I have been a competitive swimmer most of my life.  Swimming brings great pleasure to me and open water swimming has opened new doors of self awareness and extreme challenge.  I continue to challenge myself and look for ways to pioneer new adventures in the open water.  You would think that by swimming the English Channel that would be the ultimate.  It was an unbelievable experience but I found that it opened new doors that needed to be passed through.  In addition I have found that my experiences and adventures have motivated and inspired others along the way.  I also have been fortunate (with the help of many others) to have raised over $21,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of RI through my swims.  Challenging myself and helping others is a great combination to a fulfilling life!

How can you help?

By directly donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) or sponsoring me. Any amount you can send is greatly appreciated. Go to my Contributions page to learn more.