By Claudia Iseman
SANTA CRUZ — Now halfway through her 900-mile voyage swimming from the Oregon border to San Diego, marathon swimmer Catherine Breed came up for air for a public speaking engagement at the Santa Cruz Wharf on Saturday, Aug. 22.
“I love Santa Cruz so much! I’ve spent lots of time surfing here,” said the 33-year-old, who has swum 420 miles so far. She began her marathon July 1 with Swim California, a coalition of supporters and sponsors. Swim California includes a team on the water and a team on land.
Her mission isn’t just about personal achievement but also the protection of marine ecosystems through community engagement and partnerships with ocean conservation groups. The 13 speaking engagements along her 900-mile journey serve to spark awareness and inspire others, especially young women, about ocean conservation and open-water swimming.
“Hundreds of young women thank her through Instagram,” said Swim California communications director Billy Reinhardt.
“It’s inspiring how she’s trying to inspire others,” said Mackenzie Black, who is preparing for her master’s degree in marine biology at UCSC. “I have no idea how she’s swimming that far,” Black said.
Breed is somewhat of a modern-day mermaid: tall and graceful, yet athletic and fierce. “My biggest fear isn’t the sharks, whales, treacherous currents and stinging jellyfish, it’s disappointing my team and my supporters,” Breed said.
Thirteen-year-old Micayla Lee of San Jose said she has become a big fan after seeing Breed speak at one of her stops in Mendocino. “It’s nice to hear how she’s doing and checking in on her,” said Lee, who enjoys open-water swimming herself.
Hoping to become the first person to swim the entire California coastline, Breed usually swims five to six hours a day and takes breaks in between. She swims between a sailboat, which is the “mothership,” and a small tender. Both vessels constantly monitor her safety and guide her. The entire journey is expected to take about four months, but so far she is ahead of schedule and thinks she will reach the finish line by Oct. 20 instead of the anticipated Nov. 5 date.
“I’m shocked at how well my body is holding up,” Breed said. She told the crowd of about 250 that one of the highlights of the swim was seeing a whale swim underneath her. “It looked like a big white freight train,” she said. On Aug. 25, Breed, who prefers the nickname Cat, made an appearance at Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove. “Monterey Bay is one of the places that taught me what it means to belong to the ocean.”
“One of our biggest challenges will be the Big Sur coast because there’s really no place to stop there,” Breed said as she looked ahead to the second leg of her journey.
Swim California is financed through private philanthropy, corporate sponsors and private donations. “I was so inspired listening to her Saturday that I woke up Sunday morning and donated $100,” said Mary MacLellan of Aptos. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley was also impressed. “This woman’s vision and dedication are uniquely inspiring,” Keeley said. Breed has raised $438,000 toward her $500,000 goal.
For more information or to donate, visit SwimCalifornia.com.