Last Wednesday Briggsy and I kayak-escorted Laura and Rob Jones on their swim from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.
Here we are going over the swim route on my chart at the "dive in".
Dave gets feeding instructions from Laura on the beach before heading out.
Rob and I discuss tactics.
And off we go. Look how flat the Sound was!
Dave escorted Laura.
Rob's Feeding Time. I just held up the bottle and he would swim over to drink. After the first 40 minutes and then every 20 minutes thereafter.
Half-way? Rob was stung by two jellyfish on the crossing, but at least we didn't see any sharks!
The wind started to pick up a bit and the water got a little choppier as we approached East Chop. (Is that why they call it "Chop"?)
Rob finished the swim in exactly two and a half-hours. Here his kayak escort congratulates him on the beach at Oak Bluffs.
Laura was about an hour behind Rob. By the time she was approaching Oak Bluffs, the current was running strong and an opposing breeze was kicking things up.
Dave successfully guided Laura to shore despite the current that wanted to take them to Chappaquiddick.
Afterward, we all got a ride back to Falmouth on one of the powerboat escorts. Our kayaks rode in the middle of the cabin. (Return trip took about 15 minutes!)
It was a successful adventure! Enough so that Laura is already talking about swimming from Martha's Vineyard to Nantucket next!
Oak Bluffs, MV (Part 2)
Moderator: Chip
- kayakerjnj
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Re: Oak Bluffs, MV (Part 2)
You guys are good sorts for doing this! Looks like you had a memorable day out of it too!
KUDOS to you and Dave!
KUDOS to you and Dave!
Paddle with a big smile, its contagious
Jordan
Jordan
Re: Oak Bluffs, MV (Part 2)
Great post. Fun to read and follow along with the swim. How fast were they swimming (approx)?
P&H Quest LV - Yellow/white/blue
Re: Oak Bluffs, MV (Part 2)
Birdseye wrote:Great post. Fun to read and follow along with the swim. How fast were they swimming (approx)?
Thanks, Nelson. Glad you enjoyed it.
Rob swam almost a straight line of about 6.5 miles, so his pace was about 2.5 MPH.
Laura's route was a little longer but she took just under 3.5 hours, so maybe 2 MPH?
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Re: Oak Bluffs, MV (Part 2)
Thanks, Mark. Amazing! Was their accomplishment written up in the new? I would say this is the best story I have read this week!
Bea
Bea
Bea
Proud foster mother of Athena (P&H Cetus LV turquoise-white)
Proud foster mother of Athena (P&H Cetus LV turquoise-white)