LBS invites everyone to come swim across the lake
SANDPOINT — When construction of the original Long Bridge began in 1908 the intent was to create a crossing for Model T Fords and the horse and buggy from Sagle into Sandpoint.
It is a safe bet that at that point in history none of those men would have imagined that what was then the longest wooden bridge in the world would become the site for one of the premier open water swims in the country.
The first Saturday in August will mark the 18th Long Bridge Swim, with more than 700 swimmers expected to participate in what has now become an international event with swimmers traveling from several Canadian provinces and as far away as Great Britain. If you are envisioning a sea of Iron Man trained bodies clamoring for a prestigious title you will be quite surprised to see kids as young as 6 and adults well into their 80s. The widespread demographics and the many levels of abilities is what continue to draw in new swimmers every year.
While there are certainly are many accomplished athletes that will make the 1.76-mile crossing look easy, it is the new swimmer, unsure of their ability to make it all the way that captures the heart of founder Eric Ridgway. A lifelong swimmer and lover of the sport, his vision for this special event has remained constant.
“This is about the non-swimmer accomplishing something that they previously thought unattainable,” said Ridgway.
It’s about people like Neil Dunbar, who turned 70 earlier this year and will be traveling with family from Colorado for a reunion with his daughter who lives in Sandpoint.
“It’s been 52 years since I’ve been in the pool for high school swimming, so training for the Long Bridge Swim has been a challenge,” Dunbar said. “My daughter who lives in Sandpoint suggested that during our family reunion doing the LBS together would be a great and memorable experience. So I bought in and I’m excited to be doing this swim with my two daughters and one granddaughter. I’ve learned a lot about training, my body and getting in aerobic shape again, and without the goal of doing the LBS I might not have made the effort; the benefits are substantial. The website is great and very informative … a special event for Sandpoint.”
Neil’s daughter Jennifer is a recent breast cancer survivor, successfully weathering the beating a body takes during chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Cleared by her physician just weeks ago to resume her normal, active lifestyle she is preparing to attempt the swim.
“If I can’t make it across, at least I can say I tried,” she said.
It is that indomitable spirit that captures the essence of the Long Bridge Swim.
Local families like the Sanborns not only swim the bridge but have become one of the many dedicated volunteers required to make the day a success.
Courtney, working in the safety crew and now registration, and her kids are terrific fundraisers. Courtney has long lived the swimming lifestyle and has raised her daughters Logan and Chandler to follow in her wake. Courtney has completed 11 Long Bridge Swims, missing a couple of years due to pregnancy and a blown knee. While Courtney loves the event, it is watching her girls accomplish the feat that now gives her the greatest pleasure.
Chandler Sanborn will be making her fourth crossing of Lake Pend Oreille completing her first race at age 6 in 2 hours, 40 minutes.
Chandler said swim is challenging and every year there are many times that she would like to give up. While there have been tears shed in the middle of the lake, but she never takes the option to quit and get out. Courtney believes Chandler’s determination and quiet capability comes from living with a rare form of genetic rickets which challenge her with pain, growth development and curved soft bones. This year Chandler will be swimming with her mom and a 9-year-old friend, who is a first time LBS participant.
While Courtney was swimming with Chandler, her oldest daughter, Logan, made her first crossing at age 9, swimming on her own with two friends from the local swim team. Mom found herself nervous and slightly worried as the kids swam ahead but found Logan on the shore feeling accomplished and positive about her experience.
Because it was such a great experience for her she has been able to influence other kids her age who are feeling tentative about giving the swim a try and now they all swim together. Now 12, Logan wants to complete this year’s swim in less an hour.
Courtney would like everyone to know how exceptional and important the kayakers along the course are. Kayakers have hung with them the entire race allowing Chandler to take off flippers, caps, goggles and once even her wetsuit. That support has been significant to her young daughter being able to finish.
Patricia Ericsson was a first-time kayaker during last year’s swim. A competent paddler but not particularly fast she had hung back a bit when the race began. Noticing Courtney and Chandler she was surprised to see someone so young and decided to stick close by and see how it went for her.
“I was so impressed with both of them,” Ericsson said. “Courtney provided just the right kind of support and encouragement. She was positive but not pushy and gave Chandler swimming advice that was well-timed and just what Chandler seemed to need.”
Ericsson said she was impressed by Chandler’s determination.
“Chandler went through a whole range of emotions during the swim, but never did she want to quitm. She was impressive,” she said.“They were a great mother/daughter duo.”
Ericsson said the event is well organized, fun and great experience for the paddlers as well as the swimmers.
There is still time to register for the Long Bridge Swim.
Information: www.longbridgeswim.org