Record Set in Santa Barbara Channel Swim

Local swimmer Rendy Lynn Opdycke swam across the Santa Barbara Channel, a distance of 28.25 miles from Santa Cruz Island to Santa Barbara Point, in 10 hours and 51 minutes on July 7, 2007. The water temperature varied from 58 to 62 degrees during the crossing, and conditions included some waves and chop.

The swim was ratified by the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association, and the swimmer was escorted during the swim by kayakers David Clark, Paul Hoffman and Paula Selby. The prior solo swim record of 13 hours and 16 minutes from Santa Cruz to the mainland was set by Paul Lewis in 2006.

Rendy’s channel swim follows her success earlier this summer, when she placed second in the 28.5 mile Manhattan Island Marathon Swim. She is a world-ranked amateur marathon-distance swimmer, and a graduate student at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA), pursuing a masters degree in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs with an Athletic emphasis.

The Santa Cruz Island Reserve is the biggest of the Channel Islands located off the Southern California coast. Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Rendy will be joining her fellow Mermaids in a relay around Anacapa Island (24 miles) in August.

The Mermaids are a squad of eleven female swimmers from across Southern California who excel at long-distance and cold water swimming. Their example inspires others to seek challenges, set goals, grow personally & professionally, and be active. The team trains year-round in La Jolla, California. The Mermaids thank corporate sponsors Sephora USA Inc., Powerbar Pria (Nestle USA) and Tyr Sport Inc. for their generous support during this swim season.

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