May 23, 2010

Dear Marathon Ocean Swimmers,

An exciting season is right around the corner. We already have 6 planned swims for this year with more along the way. If you are looking for a short, middle distance, long or really long swim, we have it all. We even have some virgin swims left for those people who want to be the first to conquer uncharted waters.

The Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association

There are 8 Channel Islands off the Southern California Coast. The most famous of these islands is Catalina. In fact, over 170 swims have taken place off of Catalina island since 1927. Swims from the other Channel islands have not been so common. There were even those who wondered if a marathon swim could be completed from any other channel island. In 1972, Cindy Cleveland showed the world that it was possible when she swam to Anacapa island and back. Since then, there have been 29 successful solo swims by 25 different people off these islands. There have also been 14 successful relay swims. The Santa Barbara Channel Swim Association's mission is to document swims from, to, between and around the 7 channel islands which the CCSF (Catalina) does not represent.

Some History

Anacapa Island - First conquered by Cindy Cleveland in 1972. Nick Caine set a time record of 5:03 in 2008. This island in second to Catalina island in successful swims with 17.

San Clemente Island - This 60 plus mile swim has been completed only once and that was by the relay team of Brendan Halfman, Mike Suttle, David Yudovin, Craig Taylor, Jim Fitpatrick and Scott Zornig in 2002. It took this group 33:08 to finish this swim.

San Miguel Island - San Miguel had only been completed one time and it just might be one of the great swims of all time. Penny Palfrey was the first and only soloist with a time of 11:29.

San Nicolas Island - No recorded swims

Santa Barbara Island - This 40 mile swim was first conquered by a relay consisting of Peter Attia, Jason Fox, Marc Lewis, Steve Lowe, Forrest Nelson and Ed Reynolds in 18:44. The one and only solo was done in 2009 by Penny Palfrey in a time of 17:53....a truly amazing feat!

Santa Cruz Island - Dave Yudovin first did this 20 mile swim in 1983 in a time of 15:15. Ned Denison of Ireland has the time record of 10:27.

Santa Rosa Island - Mark Lewis has bragging rights for his amazing solo performance in 2008 in a time of 15:46. This swim also ranks as one of the great swims in the history of marathon swimming.

First Inter Island swim - Scott Zornig swam from Anacpa island to Santa Cruz island in 2007 in 2:18.

Youngest swimmer - Kaustubh Vemuri of India was only 10 years old when he swam from Anacapa island to the mainland in 2007.

Oldest swimmer - Emilio Casanueva of Chile was 68 years old when he swam from Anacapa in 2008 proving that age is not a barrier.

A Great Tune-Up Swim

The SBCSA requires all swimmers to have completed long distance swims in preparation for their attempt. If you are looking for a great tune-up swim prior to your swim, you might want to consider the July 11th 2010, Santa Barbara Semana Nautica 6 mile ocean swim. It is a great way to challenge yourself in channel island waters. For more information, please visit www.semananautica.com or email Jane Cairns at janeswims@juno.com.

This Seasons Attempts

Contact Info

Please contact Scott Zornig for more information.