Bryan’s Big SWIMS
Supporting HAC’s Swimming Lessons Program
Bryan Huffman has been dedicated to supporting free or reduced-cost swimming lessons to children in West Michigan. His efforts began in the fall of 2022 when he successfully swam across the English Channel and decided that he wanted his efforts to give back to the community. In August of 2023, he made an outstanding attempt to swim swimming across Lake Michigan! For his last big adventure of 2023, Bryan went to New York City to take on The 20 Bridges Swim he succeeded in swimming around the island of Manhattan. In 2023, Bryan’s Big Lake Swims raised a total of $44,605 that will continue to be used to support life-saving swimming lessons!
In 2024 Bryan will continue swimming to raise funds to help pay for free and reduced-cost swim lessons for kids. The first will be a Lake Erie swim in late June or early July and the second will be the Catalina Channel Swim on August 4 and 5, 2024.
Bryan and his support team have a goal of raising $50,000 in 2024, and we still need your support! If you’re ready to support his next big adventure, you can do so by clicking to donate below. Thanks for following and donating!
Fundraising Progress for goal of $50,000 in 2024:
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FACTS ABOUT BRYAN’S Lake Erie SWIM
How far will Bryan swim?
The route around Manhattan, and under the 20 bridges that access it, is 28.5 miles.
What Makes the 20 Bridges swim prestigous?
The 20 Bridges Swim, together with the English Channel and Catalina Channel, are referred to as the Triple Crown of open water swimming. Only 300 swimmers have ever completed the Triple Crown.
For reference, how far is an open water marathon?
An open water marathon is 6 miles. This swim would be almost five continuous marathons so the main challenge of the swim will be the immense distance!
How does 20 Bridges Swim compare to the other triple Crown swims?
Although it is the longest swim in the Triple Crown, most swimmers have the fastest time in New York. This is due to their counterclockwise circumnavgiation of Manhattan that flows with the currents and tides, thus aiding the swimmer’s time.
How long will the swim take?
Bryan’s attempt to swim around Manhattan is expected to take between 8-9 hours depending on current and conditions.
If successful, what's next for Bryan?
Bryan hopes to swim across all five Great Lakes and the Catalina Channel in California over the next three years. And with each swim, he hopes to raise enough money so that every child who comes to HAC to learn to swim does so affordably.
“We are so grateful for Bryan’s big heart and the amazing way he has supported HAC with each of these big swims. More kids in West Michigan are going to learn how to swim and be much safer in and around the water because of his efforts.” -- Amanda Duimstra, GeneraL manager of HAC
Who is Bryan Huffman?
Bryan Huffman is a physician, Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics Masters swimmer, and Holland Aquatic Center member. He is a physician who is dedicated to his community and his love of open water swimming.
