Local Swimmer Completes CA Triple Crown

Abby Bergman swims Catalina Channel, Santa Barbara Channel,  Lake Tahoe

By Chad Winthrop

The California Triple Crown of marathon swimming consists of three iconic and grueling open-water distance swims and Abbey Bergman, a local swimmer, recently completed them all:

The Catalina Channel (20.1 miles), the Santa Barbara Channel (12.4 miles) and the length of Lake Tahoe (21.3). Now at 23, Bergman has completed all three – with a smooth swim of 11 hours 19 minutes from Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe, CA to Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe, NV. Bergman swam overnight from 9 p.m. Tuesday, August 6 through 8:19 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Each of the three swims has its own unique challenges: for Lake Tahoe, it is a combination of swimming at high altitude (6225 feet above sea level) in water that can be extremely cold due to the snowmelt. Santa Barbara Channel (swimming from Oxnard to Anacapa Island) also delivers cold water, strong currents that can push the swimmer laterally off course, and choppy seas and animal encounters. Catalina Channel (swimming from Catalina to Palos Verdes) also has its share of rough choppy seas, varying winds and currents, in slightly warmer water.

For all three of these swims, Bergman followed the Marathon Swimmer Federation Guidelines of wearing only a single textile suit, non-thermal swim cap, earplugs and goggles. 

Marathon swimming offers unique challenges: each swim is different on any different day and as Bergman says, “you never know quite what to expect.”

The marathon open swim community is a small tightly-knit supportive group. For the Tahoe swim, Bergman was supported by Catherine Breed, herself an accomplished marathon swimmer and current Lake Tahoe course record holder. Breed paddled a kayak alongside Bergman for most of the 21 miles. And the boat pilot, Tom Linthicum, is also well known in swimming circles for completing many marathon swims around the U.S. 

Completing the California Triple Crown “feels unreal,” says Bergman. “I was so nervous for the Tahoe swim: I had never done a lake marathon swim before, or a marathon swim at altitude, but Lake Tahoe’s beauty did not disappoint. Swimming under the stars was magical.” 

in News, Sports
Related Posts

Newly-Built Ocean Front Walk Home Lists for Nearly $14M

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

A 300-square-foot space on the ground level is zoned for potential commercial use A newly constructed beachfront home along Venice’s...

Open Alcohol Consumption on 3rd Street Promenade Could be Allowed by Summer

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

The entertainment zone plan builds on a bill signed by Gov. Newsom, which allows public drinking areas Santa Monica officials...

Performing Arts Workshops Summer Camp Open for Registration

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Performing Arts Workshops (PAW) has something for everyone this summer. They offer four two-week musical theater camps and eight one-week...

Spring Brewery Artwalk & Open Art Studios

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Where Art Lives. If you’re looking for something fun and different to do, the Brewery Artwalk is holding its Spring...

Hacienda-Style Palisades Home Sells for $12M After Wildfires

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

The home and its immediate surroundings remained virtually untouched by the fires A modern hacienda-style home in Pacific Palisades has...

Reopening Set for Monday After Malibu Mudslide on PCH

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

Mudslides triggered by early morning rain showers forced the closure over the weekend Crews are making “good progress” clearing mudslides...

THIS WEEKEND: Art and Music Festival Takes Over Third Street Promenade

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Admission is free and open to the public The Third Street Promenade will transform into a lively celebration of creativity...

SMC to Host Free Children’s Concert in May

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The event will feature collaborative performances with local artists, including a Taiko drumming group from Culver City’s El Marino Language...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

ASTEME Camps Explore Science, Technology, Math and Engineering

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Many teachers and parents hear this question daily when it comes to schooling: “When am I ever going to use...

Q&A: No Age Limit on Home Care Management & Home Safety, Tips from a Care Manager

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In-home safety issues that go unnoticed — cracked sidewalks, broken railings or uneven flooring for example — are often the root...

CHP Arrests Man Accused of Stealing $5K of Copper on PCH

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station A 22-year-old...

Topanga Beach Bus Resumes Service Between West Valley and Santa Monica

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The route now operates once daily in each direction and is being escorted by Caltrans The Topanga Beach Bus resumed...

Beloved Palisades Educator Who Lost Home in Fire Celebrates 97th Birthday

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Jenkins, who was a pioneering Black property owner in the Palisades, has been the focus of community support  Louvenia Jenkins,...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In a farewell letter to patrons, owners wrote, “We hope these final weeks are a celebration of all we have...

Comments
Leave a Reply