This was truly one of the most awesome moments of my life, as the challenge from Moloka’i to O’ahu was unlike anything I have ever experienced! First, I have to give a special THANK YOU to my amazing crew (Dad, Vince, Jeff, Steve & Matt) because without them, I never would have been able to accomplish this! I also want to give a special THANK YOU to my title sponsor, Trustmont Financial Group, as well as EnergyCareUSA and East Suburban Sports Medicine Center!
Finally, my incredible family and friends around the world who were supporting my journey via email, Facebook and texts.. you have helped me more than you can ever imagine! According to www.hawaiiswim.org, my time of 12:12:23 is unofficially a Moloka’i Channel RECORD! Bill Goding helped me type up the proper documentation today, and with signatures from kayker Jeff Kozlovich, and official time keeper, Steve Haumschild, I will be submitting it as my proof of swim!
This was such an awesome experience because it is unlike any body of water I have ever swum – quite different than Keystone Lake! I wish I had an ocean to train in, however, so far my lakes and rivers have proved to work out just fine! From the start at La’au on Moloka’i, to the finish at Sandy Beach on O’ahu, it was a non-stop barrage of giant swells, strong currents and rough chop… but we made it through! Didn’t get to see any Tiger Sharks, however, I did manage a Portuguese Man-O-War sting right to the face (felt GREAT, ha)! The middle of the channel was so beautiful, as it was such blue water all around, and just seemed to go on forever. About 10 miles out, we hit a westerly current which we thought might blow us off course, however we re-adjusted our path, and persevered! I managed to do a few somersaults as the shore break at Sandy Beach tossed me around, but by that point, I wasn’t too worried about it!
I will miss all my new friends I have made while here, but know I will return again, as there is plenty of water to challenge out here!
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS SUCH AN AWESOME ADVENTURE!