Santa Barbara Channel Islands Swim

today, 29th June, 2008, we swam from Santa Rosa Island to Santa Cruz Island, a distance of around 10+klms (6+miles), to become the first people ever to complete this swim. Our times for the crossing were 2.30 for Penny and 2.52 for Chris. Conditions were very good for what is normally a very rough and windy area. the sea was almost calm. Water temperature was around 16 degrees C for most of the crossing, but increased to 18 degrees as we approached Santa Cruz. we were accompanied at various times by inquisitive seals, and a few jellyfish (out of reach). but we saw none of the great white sharks which are meant to frequent this area. But it was very comforting to have our shark shields working for us. these devices were kindly leant to us for a company in South Australia ( see www.sharkshield.com.au)
we were ably assisted in our crossing by Emilio and Dean from the Santa Barbara Channel Swim Association, who provided excellent support and great hospitality. Santa Barbara is a beautiful town, 150 klms up the coast from LA, and it has great swim options for any long distance open water swimmer who likes a challenge. and best of all, it is still new, and there are still "firsts" waiting to be conquered, as we did today. Hmm, what shall we do tomorrow?
By Chris and Penny Palfrey