Vince Must Swim!

I began participating in open water swimming in 1985 and have been pursuing this passion ever since. I love the physical and mental challenge of swimming open water. When I set personal goals to complete a swim I feel challenged and alive. At times the experience also feels spiritual . Now that I also swim to raise money for the environment and for other causes it makes the whole experience feel very complete. As many of my family and friends know, " Vince must swim! "

Open Water Swims

From the late 80's through the present I completed several one and two mile open water swims in Reston, Virginia.

1986

Organized a swim across the Choptank River in Cambridge, MD.
4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Swim - Finisher

1988

4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Swim - Finisher

2002

I became interested in doing solo swims to raise money for environmental and other social causes. This goal was triggered by having read a story about Martin Strel. Strel from Slovenia in Eastern Europe is a professional open water swimmer who has excelled at setting world records for distance open water swimming. Strel swims to promote peace and environmental awareness. I have a spirit and love for the water just on a smaller, local scale. (I still have and enjoy my day job.)

I realized after reading about Strel that I could pursue doing local solo swims for the environment
to go along with my ongoing yearly lap swimming.

Solo-Kayak Assisted Swims

Below is a listing of solo -kayak assisted swims I have completed, while also raising money for some different causes.

August 2007

Lake Linganore - 2 miles approx. My two Bulgarian friends;Krasimir Georgiev and Tanya Belcheva were my support team in a tandem kayak. Moet Jevot e Voda. This means, " My Life is Water".

November 2006

Lake Linganore - 2 miles approx. - Shannon Blue was my support team kayaker. Blue is also one of the lead singers in a band called Blue Nevada. Speaking of blue, I was red and blue during my very cold autumn swim on Lake Linganore. The cold water was an initial massive jolt even while wearing the wet suit. Great swim experience!

July 2006

Youghiogheny River Lake - 2 miles approx. A guy name Peter was my support team kayaker. The highlight was swimming in both Maryland and Pennsylvania in this same lake.

July 2005

Lake Linganore - 2miles approx. - My first really local, open water swim. My friend Bob Whitting was my support team kayaker.

July 2003

Donohoe Point - Jackson Lake, Wyoming. 3 mile swim around Donohoe Point, an island within Jackson Lake. My kayak support person was Molly. The swim was
highly memorable because it was challenging and I could see the mirror image of the Grand Tetons while I was completing my swim on the lake.