Gary Emich
From MB Wiki
Background Synopsis
Gary Emich is an "Escape from Alcatraz" swim world record holder - over 515 crossings (latest tally) (http://www.alcatraz100.com/club/members/details.asp?amid=3) without wetsuit or fins - He also is the author of "A Swim Criminal Looks at 100: A Swimmer's Guide to a Successful Escape" (http://www.lanelinestoshorelines.com/ssp/store) and the co-host of the open water swimming DVD "Lane Lines to Shore Lines: Your Complete Guide to Open Water Swimming." (http://www.lanelinestoshorelines.com/ssp/store) Gary also contributes regularly to Inside Triathlon Magazine's Water Log swim training column. And, if you're interested in your own private Alcatraz crossing, Gary can arrange that as well!
His peculiar habit of analyzing the "swimmability" of any and all bodies of water has manifested itself in swims that include the Amazon River replete with piranhas; Peru's Lake Titicaca (the world's highest navigable lake at 12,500); the peat black waters of Scotland's legendary Loch Ness; inter island crossings of the Greek Cyclades; the 10-mile San Francisco Bay to Breakers plus swims across numerous rivers in the U.S. including the muddy Mississippi and Washington DC's Potomac. In addition, he has completed relay crossings of the English Channel, Catalina Channel, Bay of Naples and the Strait of Gibraltar as well as a relay circumnavigation of Manhattan Island.
He was the 2006 Open Water Swim Commissioner for the legendary South End Rowing Club (http://www.south-end.org/index.shtml) whose history of swimming in the San Francisco Bay dates back to 1873. He currently is a Level 2 ASCA Swim Coach and a Certified Level 1 USA Triathlon Coach specializing in the swimmer who wants to make the switch from pool to open water swimming, who is interested in making a successful Alcatraz crossing or the older athlete who is interested in learning more about the sport of triathlon. Gary also arranges privately escorted Alcatraz swims for groups of two (2) to five (5) swimmers that are approved (i.e. permitted) by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Tri-California (http://www.tricalifornia.com/), race management for the Wildflower, Escape from Alcatraz, Pacific Grove and Treasure Island Triathlons utilizes Gary as coach and presenter at their / open-water and Alcatraz swim clinics (http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/training_clinics.htm); and Gary is the official test swimmer who the day before the Escape navigates the tricky and ever-changing currents to pick the best race-day course.
Gary brings a wealth of experience to his presentations and shares his knowledge about physically acclimating, internally acclimating, mentally acclimating, sighting, open water swim techniques and currents.
If you want the inside scoop on what it takes to "Escape from Alcatraz", Gary is a must!
Visit Gary's / webpage (http://www.lanelinestoshorelines.com) or contact him via email to learn more about his coaching services.
sfbayswimmer@sbcglobal.net (mailto:sfbayswimmer@sbcglobal.net)
Gary plays an active role in the Alcatraz Challenge (http://www.alcatrazchallenge.us/) - a swim and run event.
Check out the amazing photo on the course page (http://www.alcatrazchallenge.us/course.html), Gary's playground.
