CSSC Member Takes The Plunge

While most of us would go on holiday to America to relax, enjoy the sunshine, or simply take in the sights, CSSC member, Stewart Maxwell, who competes in Masters swimming and occasional open water swimming, decided to make a splash in the USA! 

He said, "We were in California in July 2009 on holiday when my wife spotted an article in a magazine about organised swims from Alcatraz to San Francisco (distance 1.5 miles). I contacted Gary Emich (lanelinestoshorelines.com) and agreed to swim it on Thursday 16 July 2009."

So, just like that, Stewart had plunged head first into a swimming challenge. It didn't take long for that Thursday to come round:

"It was a cold and foggy start at 7am and we had to watch out for the large inbound container ships. Gary mentioned that any sharks stay at the bottom and should not be a problem. Basically, it was over the side of the cover boat, and off you go!"

Stewart was clearly feeling particularly brave that day as off he went. He said, "It was a bit choppy to start with but not too cold and I quickly settled into it. I took the opportunity to stop for a look around. 43 minutes later, it was all over!"

The experience, which would terrify many, was clearly enjoyed by Stewart as he said afterwards, "I now fancy the Alcatraz Challenge, which combines the swim with a 7 mile run. Maybe next year?"

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