CANMORE – These days, Alan Corcoran is usually tying on hiking boots and mountaineering in the wild Canadian Rockies.
However, a wetsuit once was the Canmore-based author and adventurer’s preferred attire when swimming 500 kilometres on top of the dark depths of the Irish Sea immersed his life.
That story, of everything from sinking boats, stormy weather and family ties, is what the Irish-born Corcoran has gone to great detail to reveal in his sophomore book, Unsinkable: Cancer, Five Boats, and my 710-kilometre Sea Swim.
“At this stage, you’re wearing your heart on your sleeve and being honest and [I’m] confident that the story is at least authentic,” said Corcoran. “It’s nerve-wracking handing that over to other people to assess and make up their own minds about you and your story.”
Starred review by Kirkus Reviews, Unsinkable is based on the true story of Corcoran’s award-winning film documentary of the same name, in which the Irishman swam hundreds of kms in the cold, black Irish Sea as a way to raise funds for cancer research.
On top of full-colour photographs, Scottish illustrator Jack Spowart provided drawings for geographical areas and some of the swim’s more dangerous moments, like when Corcoran’s partner, Karolína Opová, capsized her kayak and was flung into the frigid sea.
A major advantage for readers, Corocran said, is he had the room to add more drama and behind-the-scenes moments within the 300 pages than what was fitted into the one-hour film.
“I prefer the book because I have more control over it and I have more time to explain different aspects of it,” Corcoran said. “Same with reading; when you watch the movie it often doesn’t live up to the book, so both [writing and filmmaking] are rewarding, but I personally preferred writing the book.”
It took Corcoran two attempts to complete the watery feat. During the first ill-fated tour, the support boat sank after Corcoran had already swam 210 km to County Down. Known for his good sense of humour, the Irishman added a joke on the cover, scratching out the “500 km” part of his journey, in favour of “710 km”.
A witty and personable writer, he hopes readers connect to the story.
“At the moment, I’m just a bit nervous,” said Corcoran ahead of his book release. “Hopefully the readers will be uplifted and inspired and entertained, at least, by what I’ve written over the last two years here in Canmore.”
To date, Corcoran’s exploits have raised more than $66,000 for stroke, cancer, and sports charities.
Unsinkable: Cancer, Five Boats, and my 710-kilometre Sea Swim is available on hardback at Café Books as well as e-book.
