Palfreys pull off another big swim
October 1st, 2009
TOWNSVILLE’S aqua queen Penny Palfrey has added yet another huge achievement to her career by becoming the first person to swim solo from Santa Barbara to Point Vincente on the Californian coast.
Palfrey began her 64km feat at 6.10pm on September 24 and finished at noon on September 25 in a time of 17hrs 53mins.
The distance has been completed by groups of swimmers on two other occasions. In one effort, six men swam the distance in one-hour rotations in a time of 18hrs and 45mins. Last year two men swam in three-hour rotations to finish in 33hrs.
”I was fortunate to have great weather conditions during my swim and an amazing support team,” Palfrey said.
”I always say that while marathon swimming is an individual sport it is always a team effort.
”We had a great team and it was an awesome effort by everyone.”
To top the trip off, husband Chris completed his longest marathon swim to date late yesterday.
Swimming 33km from Santa Catalina Island to Los Angeles, Chris began his swim at midnight on September 28 and reached dry land at 10.30am yesterday.
”I am about the 170th person to do it and the fourth Aussie to achieve this feat,” Chris said.
”It was great and the crew said they saw blue whales, lots of dolphins and seals during my swim.”
The Palfreys will now enjoy a well deserved rest in the United States before heading home on October 3.