8 Bridges Hudson River Swim - 2016

david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member
edited June 2017 in Event Announcements

The 6th annual 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim will take place from June 26 to July 3, 2016.
We will be expanding the field to 20 swimmers per stage this year. To make this possible, we are working on logistical changes that will keep the kayakers and kayaks from needing to board the support/transport boats to the start and finishing points each day. It will require a few more land based moving parts but I believe it will pay off in convenience and free up precious real estate on the boats to transport more swimmers.

We are planning to open registration on November 7th for swimmers looking to enter all 7 stages, and then on December 1st, for all other swimmers, kayakers, volunteers, and boaters.

Check here, 8bridgs.org and our FB page for details, updates and general info.

As always, please feel free to contact me at dvdbarra1@gmail.com with your questions or concerns.

Hoping to see you in the Hudson!

...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

Tagged:
DanSimonelliKarenTpavlicovsuziedodsevmonabilradChrisgreeneLouiseMaryStellaHelbe
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Comments

  • malinakamalinaka Seattle, WACharter Member

    Does this mean Launch 5 won't have a kayak rack to hang my hammock on?

    I don't wear a wetsuit; it gives the ocean a sporting chance.

  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member

    malinaka said:
    Does this mean Launch 5 won't have a kayak rack to hang my hammock on?

    I imagine we will still have the rack mounted to L5. We have to able to evacuate the field if necessary.

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member
    edited November 2015

    ATTENTION!

    With just 1 week left until we open general registration, I would like to clarify the policy.

    Currently registration is open only for swimmers that want to swim ALL 7 STAGES.

    On December 1, swimmers can register for 1 OR MORE STAGES.

    Once registration for any stage is closed out with the maximum number of swimmers covered by our permits, WE CAN NO LONGER EXCEPT REGISTRATION FOR SWIMMERS WANTING TO DO ALL 7 STAGES.

    If you are on the fence, you have one week to secure your spot in the Longest, Most Epic Open Water Swimming Event in the Universe!!!!!!!

    We have had a tremendous and enthusiastic response from many of our very favorite kayakers who stand by ready to guide you through the most unforgettable week of swimming of your life!

    You know you want it!

    KarenTLouise

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member

    BOOM!
    Stage 6 into the waiting list.
    All other stages still open for business.

    swimrn62pavlicovFil

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • pavlicovpavlicov NYC USASenior Member

    @david_barra Are you going to start publishing swimmers lists for each stage?

    malinaka
  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member

    pavlicov said:
    @david_barra Are you going to start publishing swimmers lists for each stage?

    http://www.8bridges.org/more/swimmer-list-2/

    malinakapavlicovLouise

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member

    Stage 4 is full.

    Fil

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member
    edited January 2016

    I sent this out to 2016 participants last night:
    Though the website isn't quite all in order yet, visit us soon at...... nyopenwater.org

    8 Bridges News
    Dear Swimmers, Paddlers, Boaters and Friends of 8 Bridges,
    It started in 2011… the first 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim was a dream of mine; an experiment; an expedition that took the full support of Rondi, CIBBOWS, Greg Porteus (Launch 5), and dozens of paddlers and swim buddies to pull off. Because of the dedication of all the aforementioned folks, it was successful. The longest open water event in the world was born!
    2016 will be the 6th annual 8 Bridges and we have had a tremendous response from swimmers and paddlers from the moment we opened registration. Rondi and I are truly proud that so many people continue to come back year after year to spend a week with us on the river… it gets into your blood; this river.
    The CIBBOWS – 8 Bridges association has been a blessing for us during these past 5 years, providing us with mentors, and lasting friendships in a tightly knit community of open water enthusiasts. I can honestly say the encouragement I received from them was instrumental in growing this event… and we have GROWN!
    As I write this, we have more than 50 swimmers registered for more than 110 stage swims! I haven’t done the math yet, but that’s got to be close to 2000 miles of swimming that’s going to take place… many bridge shadows crossed.
    Because of this unprecedented interest in 8 Bridges, we have decided to move forward our plans to form NEW YORK OPEN WATER, a 501(c)(3) organization with similar mission to that of CIBBOWS… the main difference being our regional focus. We are excited about the potential to host additional open water events for swimmers and paddlers, and will continue to work with CIBBOWS to coordinate a calendar to serve the community. Additionally, NYOW will provide logistics, sanctioning, and recording of solo marathon swim in bodies of water throughout NY State under Marathon Swimmers Federation rules.
    We, NEW YORK OPEN WATER are excited about directing the 2016 2 Bridges and 8 Bridges events. Stay tuned for additional 2016 offerings!
    Its going to be a great season!
    Peace,
    David

    PS: On January 20, Rondi and Andy gave Marin a little brother.
    WELCOME ARIES!

    gregocmalinakaFrancoevmoDeemaDanSimonelliSpacemanspiffthelittlemerwookieChrisgreeneKarenTrosemarymintdpm50ViveBene

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • malinakamalinaka Seattle, WACharter Member

    So many congratulations to the 8 Bridges family!

    DanSimonellidavid_barradpm50

    I don't wear a wetsuit; it gives the ocean a sporting chance.

  • DanSimonelliDanSimonelli San Diego CASenior Member

    Awesome! \m/
    Love it!
    Well done, Dave, et.al.

    Inspired a vision for sister org, CA OW! B-)

    This could become a thing... :D

    gregocdavid_barraj9swim
  • dpm50dpm50 PA, U.S.Senior Member

    Maybe this too should make my bucket list!

  • Congratulations to the 8 Bridges/New York Open Water folks, especially David and Rondi (with friends), for making such a romantic, epic swim as 8 Bridges happen in the first place, and keep happening for 5 years; additional congratulations to Rondi and Andy on the birth of Aries.

    It's very nice to see 8 Bridges draw international participation.

    Chrisgreenegregocdpm50
  • looks awesome. putting on my list for next year!

    j9swim
  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited June 2016

    Stage 1 is today.

    http://track.rs/8Bridges


    Today begins the sixth 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim; Stage 1: 18.3 miles from from the Rip Van Winkle Br. to Kingston Rhinecliff Br.

    17 swimmers, the first seven of which will go the entire 120 mile distance over 7-days, are ready to role on what should be a perfect day: sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 3 to 7 mph.

    Splash time is 8:42 AM EDT. You can track most of the swimmers at this link: http://track.rs/8Bridges

    1   Paige   Christie    North Andover MA
    2   Devon   Clifford    New Rochelle NY
    3   Steve   Gruenwald   Faribault MN
    4   Thomas  Kofler  Meran, Italy
    5   Jamie   Tout    Austin TX
    6   Cheryl  Reinke  York SC 
    7   Cristian    Vergara Brooklyn NY
    8   Erica   Flickinger  Phoenixville PA
    9   Todd Erickson   San Antonio TX
    10  Laura   Picardo New York NY
    11  Charlie Nadel   Westport CT
    12  Mo  Siegel  Piermont NY
    13  Dongho Choi Princeton NJ
    14  John    Hughes  Port Chester NY
    15  Ellaine Pavlova Brooklyn NY
    16  Kimberly    Plewa   Rahway NJ
    17  Martin  Turecky Pleasant Gap PA
    
    pavlicovrlmHelbejendutSpacemanspiffphodgeszoho
  • swimrn62swimrn62 Stowe, VTSenior Member

    The tracker.rs is really cool, it's fun to watch the swimmers as they go down the river.
    Is it possible to include a map legend, so you can see the distance to the finish, or between swimmers?

    dc_in_sf
  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin

    Thanks. This is the first live test of the multi-participant version of track.rs, so I'm just trying to make sure the simple stuff works.

    Additional features forthcoming.

  • flystormsflystorms Memphis, TNSenior Member

    This is really cool, thanks for sharing!

  • HelbeHelbe Senior Member

    Is everyone using trackers? I only see 9. Agree with @swimrn62, it's really cool.

  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited June 2016

    Helbe said:
    Is everyone using trackers? I only see 9. Agree with @swimrn62, it's really cool.

    The tracking of 8 Bridges is all through a smartphone app. It is up to each individual swimmer whether they choose to install the app and register with my platform. The majority have done so, but not everyone.

    HelbepavlicovrlmSpacemanspiff
  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin

    And they're off!

    track.rs/8Bridges

    Stage 2 The Lighthouses. 
    Kingston Rhinecliff Br. to Mid-Hudson Br." 
    1 Paige Christie North Andover MA
    2 Devon Clifford New Rochelle NY
    3 Steve Gruenwald Faribault MN
    4 Thomas W. Kofler Meran, Italy
    5 Jamie Tout Austin TX
    6 Cheryl Reinke York SC 
    7 Cristian Vergara Chile
    8 Erica Flickinger Phoenixville PA
    9 Todd Erickson San Antonio TX
    10 James Braddock New York NY
    11 Ed Riley New York NY
    12 Michele Walters Washington DC
    13 Spencer Schneider New York NY
    14 David Barra High Falls NY
    
    pavlicovSpacemanspiffJSwimJenAphodgeszohosuziedods
  • suziedodssuziedods Mem​ber

    I have 8 Bridges envy...

    Chrisgreene
  • HelbeHelbe Senior Member

    Cheryl and Paige are flying!

  • SpacemanspiffSpacemanspiff Dallas, TexasSenior Member

    Really, really cool. This will distract me all week!!

    Chrisgreenesuziedods

    "Lights go out and I can't be saved
    Tides that I tried to swim against
    Have brought be down upon my knees
    Oh I beg, I beg and plead..."

  • hmeermanhmeerman Encinitas, CAMember

    Looks like the Stage 2 leaders have the Mid-Hudson bridge in sight

  • SpacemanspiffSpacemanspiff Dallas, TexasSenior Member

    Its a dead heat between three fine swimmers, coming down to the wire!

    Chrisgreene

    "Lights go out and I can't be saved
    Tides that I tried to swim against
    Have brought be down upon my knees
    Oh I beg, I beg and plead..."

  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited June 2016

    Just speculating, but based on the sudden spread in the field, and the current locations of the leaders near the shoreline... the tide may have turned.

  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited June 2016

    Backing up the speculation with data:

    Progress per 5 min of co-leader Cheryl Reinke:

    Screen Shot 2016-06-27 at 1.11.27 PM

    HelbeJSwimrlmphodgeszoho
  • malinakamalinaka Seattle, WACharter Member

    It is all adding up.

    text4169-1

    hmeermanphodgeszoho

    I don't wear a wetsuit; it gives the ocean a sporting chance.

  • malinakamalinaka Seattle, WACharter Member

    Stage 2 results:

    1. Paige Christie - 7:56:45
    2. Cheryl Reinke - 7:57:05
    3. Ed Riley - 9:04:42
    4. Michele Walters - 9:19
    5. The Hudson River
    pavlicovj9swimSydneDSpacemanspiffJaimiesuziedods

    I don't wear a wetsuit; it gives the ocean a sporting chance.

  • hmeermanhmeerman Encinitas, CAMember

    malinaka said: It is all adding up.

    malinaka, at what site(s) did you obtain the observed (USGS) vs. predicted (NOAA) current data? How much delay is there in the USGS source's posting of the observed data relative to real time? Was the previous day's observed data also shifted by ~1 hour relative to the predicted value?

    I know that the race organizers set the start time for each stage based on the predicted slack time between the flood and ebb. I wonder if it is feasible for the race organizers to adjust a stage's start time based on observed vs. predicted data, perhaps using the previous day's deviation as a guideline.

  • rosemarymintrosemarymint Charleston, SCCharter Member

    @hmeerman the USGS data is found at a number of sites, but the primary data home is here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/current/?type=flow. You would need to click on the gauge you were searching for (they are up and down major rivers.) I think Andrew may have made his own graph, unless there's a secret site I don't know about that mashes up two data sets from two different agencies!

    As for the delay in posting to the web, for USGS data, it's usually no more than 10-15 minutes, but the gauges don't all take measurements in real time (look up the issue with USGS stream flow budget cuts -- it's a bloody miracle we get what we do at this point.) Most only take a measurement every 30 minutes or so. NOAA gauges from the data buoys tend to be every 6 minutes and make the web within 5 minutes.

    Wind and upstream rainfall have a huge influence on how the currents may diverge from the predicted tides (which are solely based on what's called the astronomical -- meaning the times/speeds/heights that would occur if the only influence were the moon and sun.) The deviation from the previous day may be completely different than the deviation for the next day. There's been a gnarly southerly wind in these parts for the past 24 hours and I think I saw Dave Barra posting somewhere else that the wind was the reason why the flood started early.

    Weather = part of the fun of marathon swimming. Can't control nature!

  • malinakamalinaka Seattle, WACharter Member

    Rondi does an amazing job of adjusting for conditions. She'll make start times for each individual if she has to. If anything, she's conservative and will make you start on a still-flooding tide if she thinks it will give you a chance to finish.

    To get a sense of the role currents and wind play in this events, look at the times for the last few years. Last year was a fast year in the lower half of the swim compared to the year before, and both years made today's Stage 2 look like cake. A 15 mph head wind vs a 15 mph tail wind not only gives you a ~1 mph disadvantage, but also plays around with when the ebb stops and, like today, can cause an early flood.

    I don't wear a wetsuit; it gives the ocean a sporting chance.

  • phodgeszohophodgeszoho UKSenior Member

    @evmo will the 8 Bridges GPS Tracks from Tracks.RS be added to the permanent storage? http://tracks.marathonswimmers.org/

    Also is there a way to turn on the tracks/trails for the event or is it just set up to show their current location?

    PS Loving getting to watch each stage. Awesome :-)

  • Watching the track today as well and in total amazement and admiration. I think it is such an achievement to come back the day after an incredibly tough swim, whether finishing it or not, and do It all over again. I know that after a long swim, particularly a tough weather one, my big accomplishment is putting on a shirt. To go out an swim another 13 plus miles is amazing.

    gregoc
  • SpacemanspiffSpacemanspiff Dallas, TexasSenior Member

    malinaka said:
    Stage 2 results:

    1. The Hudson River

    Hahaha! Well said...

    malinaka said:
    Stage 2 results:

    1. Paige Christie - 7:56:45
    2. Cheryl Reinke - 7:57:05

    What happened to Jamie Tout? Following the track.rs, it looked like Jamie came from way back to catch Paige/Cheryl and the three of them were drag racing down the final stretch. Did he DNF??

    "Lights go out and I can't be saved
    Tides that I tried to swim against
    Have brought be down upon my knees
    Oh I beg, I beg and plead..."

  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited June 2016

    @phodgeszoho said: @evmo will the 8 Bridges GPS Tracks from Tracks.RS be added to the permanent storage? http://tracks.marathonswimmers.org

    Yes!

    @phodgeszoho said: Also is there a way to turn on the tracks/trails for the event or is it just set up to show their current location?

    Working on it...

    @Spacemanspiff said: What happened to Jamie Tout?

    Unclear, but evidently a DNF.


    From facebook.com/8bridges

    Today is Stage 3, The Hudson Valley. 18 will be swimming 13.2 miles from the Mid-Hudson Bridge to the Newburgh Beacon Bridge.

    Weather calls for a high of 81F, south wind 6-9 MPH, and a scattered storms. We will keep you posted if there are any weather delays.

    Follow their progress online here- http://track.rs/8Bridges

    Today's intrepid swimmers are:

    1 Paige Christie North Andover, MA
    2 Devon Clifford New Rochelle, NY
    3 Steve Gruenwald Faribault, MN
    4 Thomas W. Kofler Meran, Italy
    5 Jamie Tout Austin, TX
    6 Cheryl Reinke York, SC
    7 Cristian Vergara Brooklyn, NY
    8 Larisa Agudelo Mexico
    9 Javier Olivares Mexico
    10 Janine Serell Mt Pleasant, NY
    11 Kim Hedges San Rafael, CA
    12 David Wallman Tenafly, NJ
    13 Glenn LaPolt New Paltz, NY
    14 Leonard Jansen Elizabethtown, PA
    15 Ali Hall San Francisco, CA
    16 Teresa Moogan Brooklyn, NY
    17 Doug Thompson New Paltz, NY
    18 Willie Miller Lansing, NY
    
    phodgeszohogregoc
  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited June 2016

    Stage 3+4 swimmer Kim Hedges is using a custom tracker. Unlike the overall 8 Bridges tracking, this one shows the track & speed stats:

    http://track.rs/kimh

    phodgeszohosuziedodsrlm
  • hmeermanhmeerman Encinitas, CAMember

    @rosemarymint and @malinaka, thank you for your replies. I appreciate your explanations and info, and am glad to hear that Rondi is able to individualize and adjust start times in response to conditions, if necessary.

  • malinakamalinaka Seattle, WACharter Member

    I'm embarrassed: that previous graph had the USGS times off by an hour - they use Standard Time even during Daylight Time. So the currents weren't off by quite as much as previously stated.

    image4144

    evmosuziedods

    I don't wear a wetsuit; it gives the ocean a sporting chance.

  • suziedodssuziedods Mem​ber

    Shout out to Kim. It was a little over a year and a half ago that she came to me, through an "Intro " class, wanting to swim Alcatraz. .. She has since completed a myriad of SERC swims and is a stalwart morning swimming as well as working diligently in the pool. Very thorough in her preparations, funny as he** and I am sooo excited to see her attempt ( it looks as if she's close to finishing!) this swim.

    NoelFigartevmomalinakaJenAssthomasgregocSydneDViveBene
  • SpacemanspiffSpacemanspiff Dallas, TexasSenior Member

    Watching my friend Devon Clifford creeping down the shoreline is riveting. I've been plotting her progress for the past hour. Hell of a girl. Love this new thing, @evmo

    evmomalinakarlmChrisgreeneSydneD

    "Lights go out and I can't be saved
    Tides that I tried to swim against
    Have brought be down upon my knees
    Oh I beg, I beg and plead..."

  • swimrn62swimrn62 Stowe, VTSenior Member

    However, a real problem for productivity at work!!

    evmogregocsuziedods
  • SpacemanspiffSpacemanspiff Dallas, TexasSenior Member
    edited June 2016

    swimrn62 said:
    However, a real problem for productivity at work!!

    Seriously.

    evmo said:

    @Spacemanspiff said: What happened to Jamie Tout?

    Unclear, but evidently a DNF.

    I think I figured out my confusion about Jamie (and others). From watching the track.rs feed on Stage 2, it looked like Jamie fell way back at the start, then suddenly surged forward to catch the leaders. Then it looked like the three of them (Jamie, Paige and Cheryl) duked it out all the way to the finish. But then the Facebook page announced Paige & Cheryl finished and said nothing of Jamie.

    Later that evening, Devon Clifford told me that Jamie DNF'ed a couple of hours in. So I'm guessing after his kayaker got him onto a boat, he/she powered up through the field, either forgetting to give Jamie his cell phone or the kayaker was the one with the tracking app. So while Jamie was wrapped in a towel, sipping noodle soup, the track.rs feed showed him carving up the field like Katie Ledecky. Or maybe Jamie had his cell phone when the boat picked him up and the boat drove up to the leaders.

    By the way, looks like Cheryl is making her move today. She's hung about 1,000 meter gap on Paige as they're rounding West Point. What a boss...

    "Lights go out and I can't be saved
    Tides that I tried to swim against
    Have brought be down upon my knees
    Oh I beg, I beg and plead..."

  • suziedodssuziedods Mem​ber
    edited June 2016

    malinaka said:
    I'm embarrassed: that previous graph had the USGS times off by an hour - they use Standard Time even during Daylight Time. So the currents weren't off by quite as much as previously stated.

    Right... I am soo embarassed for you as well. ( sarcasm font needed), as if I had any clue..

    ssthomasjendut
  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member

    What happened to Jamie Tout? Following the track.rs, it looked like Jamie came from way back to catch Paige/Cheryl and the three of them were drag racing down the final stretch. Did he DNF??

    After Jamie resigned, his kayaker paddled forward to join the leaders.
    Keep in mind: the trackers are on the swimmers kayak escorts.

    IronMike

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • suziedodssuziedods Mem​ber

    Today is a built in rest day... for swimmers, kayakers and those of us that have trackeritis.

    thelittlemerwookiegregoc
  • SydneDSydneD Senior Member

    What a FANTASTIC day yesterday!!
    I loved every second of Stage 4!! I had so much fun and the Hudson was simply incredible to us.
    Thinking of all Stage 5 swimmers as they get ready for tomorrow, and yup, I'll admit it--Super Jealous!

    pavlicovViveBenedavid_barra
  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited July 2016

    Today is Stage 5, The Great Bays (but commonly called The Beast).
    15 swimmers will be swimming 19.8 miles from the Bear Mountain Bridge to the Tappan Zee Bridge.
    Today will be epic, so be sure to follow the swimmers here- http://track.rs/8Bridges/

    1 Paige Christie North Andover, MA
    2 Devon Clifford New Rochelle, NY
    3 Steve Gruenwald Faribault, MN
    4 Thomas W. Kofler Meran, Italy
    5 Jamie Tout Austin, TX
    6 Cheryl Reinke York, SC
    7 Cristian Vergara Brooklyn, NY
    8 David Cook New York, NY
    9 Martina Pavlicova New York, NY
    10 James Braddock New York, NY
    11 Abigail Fairman New York, NY
    13 Kenn Lichtenwalter New York, NY
    14 Charlotte Samuels Ridgewood, NJ
    15 Mark Watson Brooklyn, NY
    16 Janet Harris New York, NY
    

    track.rs/8Bridges

    Forum member @pavlicov is on track.rs/martina

    SydneDssthomasdavid_barra
  • swimrn62swimrn62 Stowe, VTSenior Member

    Fantastic indeed, Sydne came in 2nd place by under 2 minutes!

    SydneD said:
    What a FANTASTIC day yesterday!!
    I loved every second of Stage 4!! I had so much fun and the Hudson was simply incredible to us.
    Thinking of all Stage 5 swimmers as they get ready for tomorrow, and yup, I'll admit it--Super Jealous!

    SydneDIronMike
  • SydneDSydneD Senior Member

    (blushing)
    It was a good day. :)

    NoelFigarttortuga
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