Trans - Monterey Bay Marathon Swim History
Monterey Bay Swimming Associations has done extensive research to create this historical record of marathon swims (solos and relays) between Santa Cruz and Monterey. If you know of a documented and verifiable swim not listed here, please contact the association.
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Newsworthy: Cindy Hertzer First to Complete the Lesser Known Circle Channel
The Monterey Bay Swimming Association congratulates Cythia Hertzer on becoming the first to complete the lesser known "Circle Channel," a uniquely challenging fresh water swim located slightly inland of the more famous Monterey Bay, California. During this time of Covid-19, marathon swimmers like Cyndy are setting their sights on never-considered swims and finding creative solutions to "chlorinetine."
Prior to the swim, Cyndy remembers feeling the pre-swim jitters. "Just before the swim start I was nervous. I tried to narrow my focus to essential work: taking off my COVID face covering, being sure I was buckled in securely, and tried to distract myself from worrying about notorious currents mid-channel. Nonetheless, I was aware that while the swimmer ahead of me ahead of me had started at the quack of dawn to try to get ahead of the tides, I could still see him mid-channel, evidently struggling to make forward progress."
Beginning near the plum tree, the swim got off to a smooth start. Conditions were ideal, with 74F water, 72F air, and near flat conditions. By mid channel, Cindy felt at the end of her rope, quite literally. She struggled to make progress but then miraculously reached mid-channel. Cyndy reflects, "I took a feed and I saw the duck had made progress. If he could, I could too!" The rest of the crossing passed quickly. It was nearly dinnertime, the crew was tired of repeating takes to capture each scene and Cyndy was eager to eat land food instead of the stuff in the bottles. Just a few strokes from the finish she had a minor collision with the duck. Cyndy's crew suspects fowl play, but the sense was he was just sheltering in place, weary from so many hours of swimming in fowl weather. Despite the unsuspected challenges of the Circle Channel, Cyndy persevered and finished strong, clearing the water and successfully making dry land in record time. Congratulations Cyndy an a hard fought victory.
Read the full observer report here.
Disclaimer: This is all in good fun. We hope everyone is staying safe out there and finding ways to stay fit, stay healthy, and keep sane during these challenging times.
Prior to the swim, Cyndy remembers feeling the pre-swim jitters. "Just before the swim start I was nervous. I tried to narrow my focus to essential work: taking off my COVID face covering, being sure I was buckled in securely, and tried to distract myself from worrying about notorious currents mid-channel. Nonetheless, I was aware that while the swimmer ahead of me ahead of me had started at the quack of dawn to try to get ahead of the tides, I could still see him mid-channel, evidently struggling to make forward progress."
Beginning near the plum tree, the swim got off to a smooth start. Conditions were ideal, with 74F water, 72F air, and near flat conditions. By mid channel, Cindy felt at the end of her rope, quite literally. She struggled to make progress but then miraculously reached mid-channel. Cyndy reflects, "I took a feed and I saw the duck had made progress. If he could, I could too!" The rest of the crossing passed quickly. It was nearly dinnertime, the crew was tired of repeating takes to capture each scene and Cyndy was eager to eat land food instead of the stuff in the bottles. Just a few strokes from the finish she had a minor collision with the duck. Cyndy's crew suspects fowl play, but the sense was he was just sheltering in place, weary from so many hours of swimming in fowl weather. Despite the unsuspected challenges of the Circle Channel, Cyndy persevered and finished strong, clearing the water and successfully making dry land in record time. Congratulations Cyndy an a hard fought victory.
Read the full observer report here.
Disclaimer: This is all in good fun. We hope everyone is staying safe out there and finding ways to stay fit, stay healthy, and keep sane during these challenging times.
MBSA Summer Swims Update
Unfortunately with the current (and planned) beach closures and rules against any group events on Santa Cruz County beaches, combined with so many logistical unknowns and potential health risks, Monterey Bay Swimming Association had made the difficult decision to postpone all 2020 group swim events and races until 2021. This includes the annual Mile Buoy and Pier-2-Pier Swims. Support for Solo swims is being considered case by case basis and will be determined by local boating and county regulations. If you have a solo swim planned, please stay in touch with your pilot and keep us informed on any changes to your swim plan.
- 2020 Mile Buoy: - postponed until 2021
- 2020 Pier-2-Pier: - postponed until 2021
Monterey Bay Swim History and Successes
Did you know the first Solo marathon swim of Monterey Bay was completed by Cindy Cleveland in 1980 and would not be repeated until 2014?
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Team Five-O Completes the First Monterey Bay Double Relay
On May 4 and 5th, 2019, Team Five-O completed the first ever two way, 50 mile, double relay swim of the Monterey Bay. The swim began at 2 am on Saturday May 4th at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. The team swam in 1 hour rotations until they reached San Carlos Beach in Monterey. After clearing the water at San Carlos, they returned to Santa Cruz and landed on Seabright beach Sunday morning for a total swim of 50 miles. the total duration of the swim was 29 hours and 51 minutes round trip. The swim was the brainchild of Scott Tapley and Robin Rose. The name is based on swimmers in their 50s, swimming 50 miles when the water temp is still in the low to mid 50s. The 6 swimmers included Scott Tapley, Kim Rutherford, John Chapman, Amy Gubser, Greg Lendhal, and Sarah Roberts (swimming for Robin due to a broken bone.) The team reported lots of wildlife (whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, squid, tuna, and strange creatures in the night). At night there was lots of bright green phosphorescence that created a spectacular light show around any movement through the dark water. 
SEA OTTER 6 - South End Rowing Club 2016
September 11, 2016, a group of adventurous women from the South End Rowing Club completed a trans-Monterey Bay Relay swim wearing nothing but a single swim cap and goggles. The team, known as the Otters, included Asha Allen, Jane Mason, Becky Margulies, Jessica Moll, Leeann Borton, and Joy Hollenback. They swam from Cowell Beach Santa Cruz to Lovers Beach Monterey (24 miles) in 12:41:00. This was the first RELAY team to complete this swim entirely NAKED. |
Amy Gubser swims Monterey
On September 22, 2017 Amy Gubser became the fourth person to complete a solo marathon swim across the Monterey Bay. Previous swims were completed by Cindy Cleveland (1980), Patti Bauernfeind (2014), and Kim Rutherford (2014). During Amy’s epic journey, she swam over nine hours in the dark and battled strong currents, wind, and hundreds of jelly fish stings. The water temperature ranged from 59 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Amy remained positive the entire swim, smiling and cracking jokes the entire way. Her crew consisted of (pilots) Greg Gubser, John Sims, Stephanie Duhau, and Larry Ahlin; (crew chief/paddler) Gavin Downs; (paddlers) Robin Rose and David David North. She also got a private escort off the beach by the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol. 
Solo Swim of the 12 Mile Jay Long Course
On June 17, 2017 Scott Tapley honored the spirit of beloved surfer and waterman, Jay Moriarity, by swimming the "Jay." The 12 mile course begins in Capitola, goes outside Pleasure Point, passes Santa Cruz Wharf, then to Mile Buoy, returning to Capitola. With a 6am start, Scott started about 6AM and was past Mile Buoy before the official paddle race caught up. Scott and crew cheered for paddlers as they sped by. Scott was supported by a Jim Ready, Kim Rutherford, Robin Rose, and Emma Kelsey. Total swim time, dry sand to dry sand was 7 hours and 4 minutes. |
