Partner Courtney Paulk Completes Catalina Channel

10.20.2017

On Thursday, October 12, Hirschler Fleischer Board member and open water marathon swimmer Courtney Paulk completed a two-way crossing of the Catalina Channel.  Courtney swam 40 miles in the double crossing, completing the incredible journey in 33 hours and 13 minutes – her longest swim to date! It is also the 63rd longest unassisted swim in recorded history. http://www.openwaterpedia.com/index.php?title=24_hour_club

Courtney endured a punishing wind chop and white caps though most of the swim. She opted to swim on the windward side of Bottom Scratcher rather than the leeward side where she might inhale exhaust fumes. Courtney remained enthusiastic throughout and, in the middle of the night dolphins, treated her to an underwater bioluminescence show. Her team kept her fed on cocktails of CarboPro, Tailwind, tea and chicken broth with helpings of peaches and applesauce. Courtney’s husband Matt and other supportive crew members documented her double channel crossing on Facebook.

Courtney joins these legendary female two-way Catalina crossers: Greta Andersen, Penny Lee Dean, Cindy Cleveland and Tina Neill.

To learn more about this amazing accomplishment, click here to read Courtney’s Q&A with Open Water Swimming.