Abigail Rousseau - Redondo Beach to LAX
Redondo Beach to Dockweiler Beach (LAX)
10.9 km (6.8 miles)
2 hours, 50 minutes on 20 September 2020
Observed and documented by Krista Anderson
Contents
Swimmer
- Name: Abigail Rousseau
- Gender: female
- Age on swim date: 17
- Nationality: United States
- Resides: Glendale, California
Support Personnel
- Linda Simons - kayaker
- Krista Anderson - observer
- John York - coach / 2nd observer
Swim Parameters
- Category: Solo, nonstop, unassisted.
- Rules: MSF Rules of Marathon Swimming, without exception or modification.
- Equipment used: Swimsuit (Jolyn fixed back), cap, goggles
Route Definition
Chart House restaurant beach in Redondo Beach, passing west of Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach piers, finishing on beach north of Dockweiler Beach jetty.
- Body of Water: Santa Monica Bay
- Route Type: one-way
- Start Location: Beach in front of Chart House restaurant, just north of Redondo Beach breakwater (33.851145, -118.3995670)
- Finish Location: Beach just north of Dockweiler Beach jetty (LAX) (33.940740, -118.443880)
- Minimum Route Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles) (map)
History
LongSwimsDB: Santa Monica Bay coastal.
Swim Data
- Start: 20 September 2020, 06:49:18 (Pacific Daylight, America/Los_Angeles, UTC-7).
- Finish: 20 September 2020, 09:39:49
- Elapsed: 2 hours, 50 minutes, 32 seconds.
Summary of Conditions
| Feature | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temp (F) | 68 | 68 |
| Air Temp (F) | 61 | 71 |
| Wind (mph) | 2 | 4 |
GPS Track
Trackpoint frequency: 15 minutes. Download raw data (CSV).
Speed Plot
Nutrition: Water and gatorade, every 45 minutes.
Observer Log
The swim started on shore at the Redondo Breakwater. Once the swimmer(s) were in the water, passed the surf and with the kayaker(s) the Observers walked the shoreline keeping eyes on the swimmer(s) and kayaker(s). Observers had with them clipboards and paperwork, binoculars, anemometer, and thermometer. Stroke count was done with both naked eye and binoculars and was doubly verified by the kayaker(s).
Narrative
by Abigail Rousseau
I have been swimming competitively since I was eight years old. I swim for Swim Pasadena under Coach Stoddard and I am a distance swimmer. The mile is my favorite event, I have always enjoyed swimming long distance. Linda Simons introduced me to open water swimming two years ago when she encouraged me do do the Oceanside Pier swim. She inspired me when she completed the Catalina Channel last summer. When COVID shut down all area pools, Linda invited me to do some open water practices. My goal is to also swim the Catalina Channel and this swim is a stepping stone to that goal.
COVID created many challenges. I had to find new ways to stay in shape. I swam tethered in my backyard pool, trained open water once a week, started a weight lifting program, and once the pools reopened I trained two hours a day, seven days a week.
The swim went well and as I anticipated. One of the best experiences I have had swimming open water is to get to swim with the dolphins! This swim was no different and I swam along side the dolphins. I was encouraged by Linda Simons who volunteered as my kayaker. The fog that rolled in just as we were about to start our swim was quite intimidating but I fully trusted Linda to guide me and that helped me stay calm and on track. I am looking forward to my next big swim!
Photos
Click to enlarge.
