Forrest Nelson Successfully swims to Anacapa Island

Scott Zornig, September 9, 2009

Congratulations to Forrest Nelson who successfully swam from Silver Stand Beach in Ventura to Anacapa Island yesterday in adverse conditions. Forrest left the beach at 5:31am in the morning and finished 8 hours and 57 seconds later on Anacapa Island.

The air and water temperature actually cooperated at 72 and 63 degrees respectively, but Forrest swam in 15 to 25 knot wind with occasional gusts up to 35 knots. Although there were high seas for the entire swim, the currents actually seemed to be working in his favor as he crossed the halfway point in a little over 2 hours. The second half of the swim was an entirely different story as Forrest battled some of the toughest currents I have seen. There was one point where he actually swam in place for 45 minutes and another time where he actually lost ground and seemed to be swimming backwards. The winds became so strong that the Kayaker, Alex, who was doing an incredible job assisting, had to be brought on to the escort boat as he was catching wind like a sail and was having a difficult time keeping up with the swimmer.

As Forrest approached the island, the side currents were merciless and we became concerned he might be pushed past the island completely. Forrest responded like a true ocean veteran, by bearing down and increasing his stroke count a consistent 8 stokes a minute for the last few miles.

Forrest finished on the south side of Arch Rock to crystal clear waters and a harem of seals sitting on some rocks only a few feet away. Forrest has added another swim to an impressive resume which includes Manhattan Island, Catalina, Molokai channel, Cooks straight and the English Channel to name a few.

Interesting facts: Forrest became the 16th person to complete an Anacapa Island swim and only the 2nd person to swim "to the island". The First Anacapa Island swim was completed by Cindy Cleveland in 1978. The fastest swim was done by 15 year old Nick Caine who swam a 5:03 in 2008. The youngest person to do the swim is Kaustubh Vemuri of India was at the age of 10, finished in 7:23. Forrest's boat, the Tuna Thumper out of Ventura, was piloted by Bob Andriuex. Bob has successfully piloted three SB channel island swims.