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Make a donation to the Monterey Bay Swimming Association
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2023 Swim Applications
The first step in planning your Monterey Bay swim is to secure a date (or window) with a boat pilot.
Once you do that, please complete a 2023 Solo Swim Application and contact MBSA so that we can support you with documenting your swim. We are here to SERVE YOU! Interested in swimming a 6 person relay? 2023 Relay Team swim Applications.
If you are wondering why you should contact MBSA when planning your solo or relay Monterey Bay crossing, read our commitment to swimmers.
Once you do that, please complete a 2023 Solo Swim Application and contact MBSA so that we can support you with documenting your swim. We are here to SERVE YOU! Interested in swimming a 6 person relay? 2023 Relay Team swim Applications.
If you are wondering why you should contact MBSA when planning your solo or relay Monterey Bay crossing, read our commitment to swimmers.
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?
NEWS
Jessi Harewicz and Andrew Packer become the 12th and 13th to Swim the Monterey Bay
This September 2020, the number of swimmers who can say they swam 25 miles across the Monterey Bay, uninterrupted from shore to shore, under their own power, wearing nothing but a swimsuit, cap and goggles grew by two. On September 6, Jessi Lidstone Harewicz of Canada, became the 12th person to complete the swim in a time of 24 hours and 56 minutes. Jessi swam all night and all day against relentless southwest headwinds, but her strength and perseverance held, and she completed the swim, setting a record for longest time in the water. Beginning the following night, on September 7, Andrew Packer of Santa Clara became the 13th to complete the swim in a time of 14 hours and 7 minutes. In August, Andrew also set the new speed record for swimming the Strait of Juan DeFuca, between the U.S. and Canada.
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John Curley - First Irishman to swim the Monterey Bay
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By John Curley
On Sunday evening the 2nd of October at approximately 8:30 in the evening, I set off on my long swim across Monterey Bay. This was my 1st big international swim. What a swim to pick as first! As I entered the water, I had to dive through a couple of breaking waves and off I was. Not long after being in the water, approximately 30 minutes or so, I got hit hard by a tuna or a seal on my left forearm. We will never know what it was as I couldn’t see anything in the dark. I’d be lying if I said this didn’t rattle me a bit. A few minutes later after regaining my composure I was back on my way but not long before my 1st feed, I swam into a bunch of jellyfish and I was thinking to myself surely this can’t be the whole way across Monterey Bay. As I finished my first feed, after 45 minutes I got myself composed again and set off again. For the next 9 hours and 1 minutes I swam in the pitch darkness, seeing only the fluorescents in the water and knocking into jellyfish and other creatures along the way. I didn’t see any whales, but my boat informed me that the whales were on the other side of the boat. All I could do was smell them (knowing the smell of whale poo) and I was going to have to swim through it. Onward we went into the darkness never gave up. At approximately 7:04 in the morning the sun came up and it was a relief to see a bit of brightness and land ahead of me. I was 12k from the finish. This was a long 12k. The brightness brought the surroundings into view, and I could see I was swimming through more jellyfish after jellyfish. They were in front of me, beside me, everywhere. I felt like I was swimming through the Serengeti. Approximately 2 hours from the finish, I spotted a shark off to the right of me. I kept plogging on. Finally, I reached Monterey Beach (San Carlos Beach) and I was able to put my 2 feet down and walk out of the water. After 14 hours and 52 minutes, I felt emotional. It was a great achievement to have done and I was the FIRST Irishman to swim across Monterey Bay. In fact, I was also the first non-American to swim across the Monterey Bay. I also became the 4th fastest swimmer to have completed the swim. In the middle of August, Ger Kennedy, my coach and swimming friend, told me I was up for the challenge. I asked what he had in mind. He said I could possibly swim the Catalina Channel, but he might have something else up his sleeve. I was more interested in what he had up his sleeve. He said to me later that Monterey Bay would be a massive achievement to have as my first international swim and I am very grateful that Ger took the risk and had the confidence to bring me over to San Francisco to let my dreams come true. I would like to thank Ger Kennedy for believing in me, Robin Rose my observer for the long 14 hours and 52 minute swim, and Amy Gubser who was my support swimmer for the last3 and ½ hours. Also thank you to Kim Rutherford who was on the beach when I first set off and when I arrived in Monterey. And of course, my pilot Greg Gubser, who without him the swim would not be possible. |
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In Memory of Lisa Amorao
It is with great sadness that we grieve the loss of Lisa Amorao, who passed away on May 29, 2022.
Lisa was a long-time supporter and friend of Monterey Bay Swimming Association and its members.
Lisa was also a member of the South End Rowing Club in San Francisco and a huge asset to the entire Bay Area open water swimming community.
Lisa had a special love for the Monterey Bay and its aquatic wonders and played a key role in introducing many new swimmers to its beauty.
Lisa was a long-time supporter and friend of Monterey Bay Swimming Association and its members.
Lisa was also a member of the South End Rowing Club in San Francisco and a huge asset to the entire Bay Area open water swimming community.
Lisa had a special love for the Monterey Bay and its aquatic wonders and played a key role in introducing many new swimmers to its beauty.
Sarah Thomas is the 10th person to complete a solo marathon swim across the Monterey Bay
On the evening of September 20, 2021 Sarah Thomas stepped into the dark water adjacent to the Santa Cruz harbor. After clearing the surf, and began swimming away from land in the direction of Monterey in what started out as good conditions. Just after 1am (5+ hours elapsed), an east wind arose and, combined with a 4-6 foot groundswell out of the west, created rough conditions and significantly slowed Sarah’s progress. At 3:30am (7.5 hours elapsed), Sarah took an uncharacteristically long feed (3 minutes) and was audibly sick. The conditions continued to deteriorate through 6am (10 hours elapsed), along with Sarah’s energy, stroke rate, and emotional state. Without any respite from the nausea, she had difficulty keeping her feeds down – and thus was not replenishing her calories. However, there was no doubt of Sarah’s determination to finish the swim, and she powered on through the choppy bay. Her perseverance paid off and Sarah cleared the water at 11:35am - 15hr39min elapsed - to become the 10th person to complete an unassisted solo swim across the full width of Monterey Bay.
Brad Schindler completes his solo marathon swim from Santa Cruz to Monterey
On August 29 and 30, Brad Schindler of Folsom CA became the 9th known person to complete a solo marathon swim from Santa Cruz to Monterey. This also makes Brad the 3rd known person to successfully swim the Bay following marathon swimming rules (aka English Channel rules). This means Brad swam from shore to shore continuously with no supportive contact wearing nothing but a swim suit, cap, and goggles. Brad encountered cold overnight temperatures, cold water, and jelly fish stings, but managed to keep his stroke in tact and made it to Monterey in a total swim time of 15 hours, 17 minutes, and 22 seconds.
Team CRUZ completes a trans-Monterey Bay relay swim in very challenging conditions
On August 28, the 6 person relay team, CRUZers, completed the 25 mile trans-bay relay from Santa Cruz to Monterey in a time of 11:30:35. The team consisted of Joel Wilson, Cyndy Hertzer, David Lederman, Tesla Profumo, Dan Besocke, and Chris Tainty. The swim was piloted by Brian Althaus on Catamaran Gemini (aka Sweaty Sheep). The swim began at 4:30 am in very calm water, but by mid morning the wind had increased to 15+Knots with 20 knot gusts making for some very challenging conditions. The team persevered and finished strong just before 4:PM.
Joe Locke sets a new course record for the 20K Pier to Pier to Pier Route
On Friday August 13, 2021, Joe Lock set a new course record for the MBSA 20k Pier to Pier to Pier route in a time of 5:27:51. Joe swam from Capitola to SC3 to Mile Buoy to Cowell Beach and back. The swim was piloted by Nomad Sailing Charters. Michelle Lower was crew. Conditions were smooth for all but the final 5k of the swim. Water temp ranged from 57 to 60 over the course. During the swim, Joe was visited by a pod of curious and friendly dolphins.
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Kim Hedges completes the 20K Pier to Pier to Pier Route AND is the first to complete the new MBSA Waverider 25k swim
On Saturday, July 31, Kim Hedges completed the 20K Pier to Pier to Pier in a time of 8:00:13. She swam from Capitola to SC3 to Mile Buoy to Cowell Beach and back. The swim was piloted by Nomad Sailing Charters. She had Lisa Amorao on the RIB for crew and Robin Rose was observing for MBSA. Then, on August 23 Kim became the first person to complete the newly established MBSA Waverider 25. She swam from Capitola to SC3 to the Waverider Buoy and then up to Natural Bridges, making a U-turn and turning the way she came back to Capitola. (Note: This swim can also be completed as a one-way trip.)
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Sarah Roberts completes the 40K solo marathon swim from Santa Cruz to Monterey on July 9
Thursday July 8th at 10PM, Sarah Roberts entered the sea at Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz and began her overnight swim to Monterey. She felt a few mystery bumps in the night and a couple of Sea Nettle stings to keep here alert, but she swam without complaints all night and was rewarded with smooth water and a beautiful sunrise. Sea conditions were ideal until roughly 10:30 Friday morning and eventually whipped up to 13 knots as she approached Monterey for the finish 25 miles later at San Carlos Beach on Friday afternoon. Her swim time was 16 hours, 17 minutes, and 42 seconds. Water temperature hovered around 54f for most of the swim. The swim was piloted by Nomad Sailing Charters and Sarah's crew were David Roberts and Kirk McKinney.
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Marisa Lovos completes the 20K Pier to Pier to Pier and swims with Humpback Whales
On June 6, 2021 Marisa Lovos, from Monterey, completed the 20k Pier to Pier to Pier in a time of 6:40:42. Marisa swam from Capitola to SC3 Buoy to Mile Buoy to Cowell Beach and back. The swim was piloted by Nomad Sailing Charters. She was supported onboard by Amanda Jennings as crew. Water temperature ranged from 57 to 59. Near the end of the swim, about 1.5 miles south of Capitola, Marisa was treated to a Humpback whale show. Several humpbacks, including a mother and calf, surfaced, waved large pectoral fins, and breached.
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Brad Schindler completes the 20K Pier to Pier to Pier and is visited by Risso's Dolphins
On June 18, 2021, Brad Schindler, from Sacramento, completed the 20k Pier to Pier to Pier in a time of 6 hours, 56 minutes, and 53 seconds. Conditions were perfect with flat water, sunny sky, and water temp between 58 and 60f for most of the swim. Brad swam from Santa Cruz to Mile Buoy, to SC3 to Capitola, then returned the same route to Santa Cruz. Brad negative split the swim. Brad was visited by a pod of Risso's Dolphins during his swim.
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Alice Ma swims a 10K Pier to Pier from Santa Cruz to Capitola
On June 12, 2021, Alice Ma swam from Santa Cruz to Mile Buoy, to SC3, and on to Capitola. Alice fought a strong E to W current just off Pleasure Point, but persevered to reach Capitola in a time of 5 hours and 20 minutes.
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Sarah Roberts kicks off the season with a Santa Cruz/Capitola 20K Pier to Pier to Pier
On April 23, 2021 Sarah Roberts, from Redwood City, kicked off the Monterey Bay 2021 Marathon Swim Season with a brisk 20K swim in 51-52f water and overcast skies. She swam from Capitola Beach South to round the SC3 Buoy. She then headed West and further out to sea to round the Sea Lion covered Mile Buoy, and then onto the Cowell Beach. Sarah then reversed the course and swam another 10K back to Capitola. Total time from start to finish was 7 hours, 5 minutes, and 15 seconds. This swim was piloted by Nomad Sailing Charters. View the swim here.
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Catherine Breed Breaks the 40K Trans-Monterey Bay Solo Marathon Swim Record
On September 22, 2020 27-year old Catherine Breed, from Pleasanton CA, set a new speed record across the Monterey Bay. She completed her record-breaking solo 25-mile marathon swim from Santa Cruz (Seabright Beach) to Monterey (San Carlos Beach) in a time of 12 hours and 42 minutes. The Swim was piloted by Nomad Sailing Charters.
The previous record set in 2014 by Patti Bauernfeind.
About 1 week later, the same swim was completed by Joe Zemaitis, from Arizona, in a time of 13 hours and 29 minutes.
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John Zemaitis is the First Verified Male to Complete a Solo Marathon Swim of Monterey Bay
On June 4 and 5, 2019 John Zemaitis completed the first official unassisted solo marathon swim of the 25 mile Monterey Bay. The swim course was Santa Cruz (Seabright Beach) to Monterey (San Carlos Beach). He completed the swim in a time of 17 hours and 23 minutes. The swim was planned to be a tandem solo with his brother Joe. The two brothers began in Santa Cruz on Tuesday evening and swam through the night. The brothers swam brilliantly, but Joe had to end his swim just 1 mile before reaching the beach in Monterey. John continued to the beach to become the first man and fifth person to complete a crossing following what are commonly referred to as "English Channel" rules - from shore to shore, no supportive contact, single cap and goggles, no wetsuit or other aids to warmth, buoyancy, or speed. Congratulations on some tremendous swimming by both brothers. 
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 Bay
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. 
Cindy Hertzer Covid "Circle Swim"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. |
