Jen Schumacher (KTLA-TV)
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SAN PEDRO -- A 24-year-old Cal State Fullerton grad student completed a 21-mile swim through the Catalina Channel Friday morning, beating the average time of 10-to-12 hours.
Jen Schumacher started her swim aroud midnight at Doctor's Cove on Catalina Island. She reached the San Pedro Peninsula nine hours later, marking a personal best.
Schumacher was not wearing a wet suit, and braved waters with average temperatures in the mid-to-high 60s. She had support swimmers at her side the entire way, including her father, uncle and sister.
Medical personnel were also nearby in a hired charter boat, and a kayaker helped guide her along her adventure.
The swim is part of a fundraiser for the Surfrider Foundation. Schumacher is also writing a thesis on long-distance swimming.
The early start time was necessary due to shipping traffic and currents, according to Schumacher's blog.
Schumacher is no stranger to long-distance swims. She's been swimming since the age of 5.
Once she reached dry land, Schumacher told KTLA that she was "exhausted" but happy that she completed her goal in such a great time.
As for her goals for the day, she said she would take a "monster nap."
According to Schumacher's blog, 159 people have successfully completed the channel swim since 1927.
Jen Schumacher started her swim aroud midnight at Doctor's Cove on Catalina Island. She reached the San Pedro Peninsula nine hours later, marking a personal best.
Schumacher was not wearing a wet suit, and braved waters with average temperatures in the mid-to-high 60s. She had support swimmers at her side the entire way, including her father, uncle and sister.
Medical personnel were also nearby in a hired charter boat, and a kayaker helped guide her along her adventure.
The swim is part of a fundraiser for the Surfrider Foundation. Schumacher is also writing a thesis on long-distance swimming.
The early start time was necessary due to shipping traffic and currents, according to Schumacher's blog.
Schumacher is no stranger to long-distance swims. She's been swimming since the age of 5.
Once she reached dry land, Schumacher told KTLA that she was "exhausted" but happy that she completed her goal in such a great time.
As for her goals for the day, she said she would take a "monster nap."
According to Schumacher's blog, 159 people have successfully completed the channel swim since 1927.
