Swim History
My open water swimming resume
Catalina Channel
September 2015
Catalina was the last leg in my Triple Crown pursuit consisting of solo swims of the Catalina Channel, the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, and the English Channel. After a rough, rolling trip across the channel to Catalina, I began my swim back to the mainland at 11 p.m. in pitch darkness. Rough seas and strong winds marked much of the swim and crew and swimmer experienced the joy of sea sickness. Other than a healthy dose of jellyfish and sea lice, my swim was devoid of the variety of sea life sightings many swimmers experience. My crew of Elaine Howley and Phil White kept me going and made sure I was well prepared mentally and physically to finish the swim despite a strong headwind at the finish.
Border Buster
July 2014
In the summer of 2015, I participated in the inaugural 15-mile Border Buster swim in Newport, Vermont. A limited entry addition to the Kingdom Swim, the Border Buster starts and ends at Prouty Beach like the other Kingdom Swim events, but extends further north across the border into Canada. Although I was the first male finisher, I was hunted down and passed by firend, Sarah Thomas, who took first overall and placed first among female finishers.
Manhattan Island Marathon Swim
August 2015
The Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (MIMS) is one of the three marathon swims comprising the Triple Crown of marathon open water swimming. MIMS is a swim like no other because it features a chalenging 28.5-mile course combined with close-up views of iconic NYC landmarks. Strategically timed to take advantage of favorable currents, the race still includes rough water and obstacles such as cruise ship departures and drawbridge openings. Few people experience the views of NYC presented to swimmers and crew during the MIMS circumnavigation of Manhattan. I was supported in the swim by Mike Goodison, Gabi Redford, and Pat Kerrigan, as well as official observer, Devon Clifford.
English Channel
September 2014
On September 21, 2014, I completed my solo crossing of the English Channel in 12 hours and 22 minutes. My Captain was Fred Mardle of the Channel Swimming Association. My crew was Elaine Howley and Alison Meehan. The course is 21 miles from England to France, although it's rarely done in a straight line due to tides and currents. Water temperatures for September are historically in the range of 60 to 63 degress F.
Boston Light Swim
July 2014
The Boston Light Swim is one of the oldest and most venerable open water swims in the world. Set in Boston Harbor, the race begins 8 miles out and finishes at the L Street beach in Southie. When you combine the heart and soul of Boston with the joy of open water swimming you cannot lose! I was fortunate to have my high school swim coach, Joe Smith, crew for me which was a complete blast. I placed first overall in the swim and Boston Light was a great confidence boost as I prepared for my Channel swim.
Swim Across the Sound
August 2013
The Swim Across the Sound is recognized as one of the Top 100 open water swims in the world and is a primary fundraiser for St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation. On August 3, 2013, approximately 190 swimmers swam 15 miles from Port Jefferson, Long Island to Captain’s Cove Marina in Bridgeport. The swimmers collectively raised close to $400,000 for St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound’s 45 cancer education, prevention, and assistance programs.
In Search of Memphre
September 2012
A 25-mile open water swim the length of Lake Memphremagog between Newport, Vermont, and Magog, Québec, In Search of Memphre is a real beast of a swim. In addition to being an epic marathon swim, the event was created to promote open borders and fellowship between Canada and the U.S. and to raise funds for the North Country Hospital Patient Care Initiative Fund. After failing in my initial attempt in the 2011 inaugural Memphre swim, I returned in 2012 to finish the search for Memphre under the watchful eye of my crew, Michael Goodison and Alison Meehan. Memphremagog is where it all started for me and in 2015 I was honored to be named NEKOWSA Open Water Swimmer of the Year.
Kingdom Swim 10-Miler
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
The Kingdom Swim is really a series of swims held each July in Newport, Vermont, a tiny town located on the southern shore of Lake Memphremagog. This event is recognized as one of the Top 100 open water swims in the world. The event offers something for every open water swimmer with courses of 1, 3, 6, and 10 miles. Developed under the leadership of Phil White, the event is part of a calendar of events that highlights outdoor activity in the Northeast Kingdom and raises substantial funds for local charities.
The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim
Multiple Crossings
The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim (GCBS) is one of America's premier open water swims and is also listed in the Top 100. The event consists of a 4.4-mile swim across Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. The course runs between the two spans of the Bay Bridge from Annapolis to the Eastern Shore. It's the primary open water event for my home base open water group, the Arundel Breakfast Club. The March of Dimes is the primary charity supported by this event.
Potomac River 7.5-Miler
June 2013
The Potomac River Swim for the Environment is a 7.5-mile course traversing the mouth of the Potomac at Point Lookout, Maryland. The Swim benefits a collection of environmental charities dedicated to promoting the health of the Potomac River and the Bay. The I swam the event, the course was altered because of adverse weather conditions to a 6-mile buoy circuit. I finished second overall on the shortened course.
Double Bay Crossing
In the summer of 2014, I became the first person to record a double crossing of the Chesapeake Bay. I completed the swim as part of my preparation for the English Channel and I was assisted by Captain Eliot Powell and Crew Alison Meehan.