Bryan’s Big SWIMS
Supporting HAC’s Swimming Lessons Program
In the fall of 2022, Bryan Huffman successfully swam across the English Channel. In August of 2023, he made an outstanding attempt to swim swimming across Lake Michigan!
For his next big adventure, Bryan will be heading to New York City to take on The 20 Bridges Swim around the island of Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 28.
Just like the Lake Michigan Swim, Bryan is swimming to raise funds to help pay for swim lessons for kids. If you haven’t yet donated to the Holland Aquatic Center Foundation/Bryan’s Big Swims, or if you’re ready to support his next big adventure, you can do so by clicking to donate below. Bryan’s wish for this swim is that everyone who follows the swim would donate at least $20 for 20 Bridges, butwe think it’s likely you may want to give even more! Thanks for following and donating!
Bryan's Two-Fold Goal:
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To raise awareness of water safety
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to make swim lessons accesSible for children through scholarshipS by fundraising $50,000 for HAC Swimming lessons IN 2023.
Fundraising Progress to date:
- 72%
FACTS ABOUT BRYAN’S 20 Bridges 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.
