Distance: 23.5 km

Time: 12:56:58

Start (UCT +02:00):Oct, 16, 2026, 05:58 am

Start Location: Makanjila , Liwewe BVC , 13°41'45.9960"S 34°50'24.6480"E

Finish (UCT +02:00): Oct, 16, 2026, 18:56 pm

Finish Location: Senga Bay, 13°43'10.1280"S 34°37'37.1280"E

Average Water Temperature: ≈27°C

Average Air Temperature: ≈30.5°C

Highest Wind:15 km/h

Lowest wind:   0 km/h

Category: Unassisted Marathon Swim (skins)

Rules: Traditional Marathon Swimming Rules & Regulations

Coach: Peter Plavec

Costume : Zoggs Ecolabs

Goggles :   Q Cruz

Hat: Silicone Swim Cap

Application:  Desitin +50 Sunblock

Planned feed:Sponser Ultra Competition with water every 30 min, 40/45 grams plus 300/350 ml water.
Banana, Cola & Sponsor Gel if needed. Torecan & Flector for motion sickness & pain if needed.

Reason for taking on a Lake Malawi attempt.
I already did Gibraltar Straights, EC Relay and North Channel Relay. Now I'm continuing the Still Water 8. I did already Lake Tahoe, Lake Zurich. This will be next.

What did you incorporate / how did you prepare for your Lake Malawi Swim?
I prepared as much as possible for a warm water swim I was training mostly in a warm pool. The water temperature was around 28 degrees Celcius.

How were you feeling about the swim?
I tested the water here. I'm very confident the water is super clear. The support is well prepared and I believe in them. I hope it will be a nice long swim and successful of course.

 GPX file on request

Dezider Pek's English was limited, and communication was primarily facilitated by his support crew, Tibor. The evening before the swim, Dezso appeared relaxed, interacting with local children that frequent the camp on our arrival and taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.

On the morning of the swim, Tibor assisted Dezso with preparations, including applying sunscreen and Destin. Dezso was quiet but focused, and Tibor confirmed he was ready to swim.

The swim began at 05:58 on a calm lake, with minimal fishing activity. Dezso's preferred breathing side was to the right, and he tended to swim off to the left, requiring Tibor to keep him closer to the boat. Despite some veering and current taking us slightly of course, there was no concern.

During the swim, the two outboards were alternated every 2 hours. However, at 08:30, engine 2 failed, and the crew switched to engine1. At 08:45, engine 1 also cut out but was restarted within 20 minutes. As a precaution, a plan was formed to launch a replacement boat from Chembe, primary safety reason should any issues arise again.

The swim continued with Tibor keeping Dezso informed, and he remained calm during the brief delay. Dezider made a point of not coming close to the boat to avoid the swim becoming void.

The replacement boat arrived in around 3 hours, and the change of boats was achieved easily without any issue.

The support boat had functioned well prior to the swim, and the engine failure was unforeseen. The lake's quiet environment and warm water/ambient temperature (26 – 30 degrees Celsius) eliminated concerns about hypothermia. Dezider swam consistently, showcasing strength and determination, even removing his swim cap at one point to show his grit. He never showed signs of physical or mental deterioration. On landing, Dezso stood with a slight leg wobble, expected after 13 hours in the water.

Tibor prepared his feeds, consisting of 40 to 45 grams of Sponsor Carb Powder in 300 to 350 ml of water, which Dezider mostly finished. Dezso had indicated he would request banana, Coca Cola or painkillers if needed. Coca cola was not taken, and I did not witness or be informed of any painkillers being administrated. Despite the language barrier, Dezider and Tibor worked well as a team. It was an honour to witness the first Slovakian swimmer succeed on Lake Malawi, demonstrating strong swimming throughout. The Swim started with a 6-meter Rigid Inflatable Boat with 2 x 85hp outboards. The boat was replaced with a 5.5-meter Wild Cat Rubber duck with 1x 50hp outboard. 

As an observer, I confirm that I witnessed the entirety of Dezider Pek’s swim from Makanjila to Senga Bay. And can vouch that it was conducted in accordance with the traditional unassisted rules of Marathon Open Water swimming. All timing logs and tracker positions were accurate and recorded in real-time throughout the event.

Walter Anthony John Muggleton
Open Water Africa
October 16, 2026

Walter Anthony John Muggleton is the official Observer of the swim. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

With 20-year experience of Lake Malawi. Being Chairman and Safety Officer & Rescue Co-ordinator of the Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon.

Pilot & Logistics for the Lake Malawi Marathon swims since 2010. Officially observing documented swim since 2023 with Open Water Africa.

Other qualifications:
CPR/AED/First Aid
History of military first aid
Managing director of Chevron, responsible for safety, health and environment  

Swim started with the Rigid Hull Boat and then due to mechanical issues was replaced by the two Wild Cat Rubber Ducks. As per observer's report.

Tubor Hideghéty

Gideon Duncan & James Douglas