BIG SWIM: For 1st time in 57 years, Bremerton-to-Alki attempt planned Sunday

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(Photo courtesy Northwest Open Water Swimming Association)

Meet Erika Norris. The accomplished Seattle-residing swimmer is going to try this Sunday to become the second person to swim from Bremerton to Alki Point Lighthouse. Word of her plan comes from another area open-water swimmer, Andrew Malinak, who says the first person to do it was Amy Hiland in 1959. Erika, like Andrew, is a regular Alki Beach swimmer, “and is very familiar with the challenges posed by the cold water, weather, and currents in this part of Puget Sound,” he says, adding in his announcement that the plan for her attempt at the 10.4-mile crossing should go like this:

Erika will begin in Bremerton around 10 am, and expects to land at the low tide near 2 pm. She will be supported by two boats and a crew of four as she traverses the ferry lanes in Rich Passage and the main shipping channel off Alki Point. The swim will be sanctioned and recorded by the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association (NOWSA), a 501c3 non-profit promoting the sport of marathon swim in the Northwest.

NOWSA plans to track the swim here on Sunday. You can see the route here.

8 Replies to "BIG SWIM: For 1st time in 57 years, Bremerton-to-Alki attempt planned Sunday"

  • A-Red September 1, 2016 (11:32 am)

    You got this!

  • swimlikeafish September 1, 2016 (11:46 am)

    this is fabulous! what a great goal and how exciting that we can read about it and then plan to be there to see her come ashore amidst all the celebratory shouts!

    way to go to dream big!

    good luck!

  • CMP September 1, 2016 (12:16 pm)

    Best of luck for a safe and successful swim Erika!  It’s been a year or two, but we’ve done a few pool workouts together at Medgar Evers and I’m confident this will go well! ~Colleen

  • Loufa September 1, 2016 (12:34 pm)

    Good Luck Erika, see you at the lighthouse!

  • Mark September 1, 2016 (6:07 pm)

    I had always wondered about someone doing this challenge, more WS to Vashon.  To Bremerton even more challenging.  Swim hard and hope for decent weather.

    Very Kewl Challenge

  • Miss B September 2, 2016 (7:21 am)

    What an amazing goal! I’ll be watching and cheering you on. You’re an inspiration and I wish you the best and am rooting for ya!!

  • Michael Schutzler September 2, 2016 (10:06 am)

    How exciting! I love boarding all around the sound, but this is an amazing goal – swimming the sound. Wow! So impressed and will be there to cheer you to finish. You have great courage and inspire me to swim more!

  • MARY September 2, 2016 (10:50 am)

    Good luck Erika!!!!

    That water has to be COLD so be sure to wear your wooleys! 

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