It’s been 90 years.
It’s time to bring back The Swim Across The Columbia – 🌊 If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming the Columbia River near Astoria, you’re in good company. This iconic river has captured the hearts of adventurers worldwide. While it’s been nearly a century since an organized open water swim took place near the Megler Bridge, the lore that swimming the Columbia River is impossible is just that—a myth. For seasoned swimmers with proper support, it’s not only feasible but also exhilarating. 🏊♂️An open water swim, a beer garden, music, food trucks, and a closing ceremony
10am to 2pm on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
https://www.astoriaregatta.com/swim-across-the-columbia
〰️Swim Across The Columbia〰️
Make no mistake, though—the Columbia River swim is no walk in the park. It’s a thrilling challenge that beckons both experts and beginners. Coaches and guides are on hand during each open water swim, ensuring safety and providing assistance as needed. So, dive in and embrace the adventure! 🌟
Want to participate but stay dry? There are more ways to celebrate with us, get swag, and have fun! How about the Stay Dry Swim? Learn more and sign up at the link here!
Hi Tom and Paul:
I thought I’d see what I could find. I hope this help. Some may be duplicates.:
Liisa Penner, Archivist
Clatsop County Historical Society
John Ryan who worked at Trullinger’s mill swam the Columbia and bet $20 to someone else to do it. Cumtux 1997 Winter, Vol. 17, No. 1, p. 10
Trans Columbia River swim to be a feature of the 1935 Regatta Astoria Budget 8-8-1935: page 1
Jim Reed wins trans Columbia swim contest; Laura Couch is first woman to swim across AB 8-31-1935 page 1
List of swimmers entering Trans Columbia Swim AB 9-1-36:1 Also AB 7-18-1936:1
Arthur Brugger, Portland wins Trans Columbia River Swim AB 9-5-1936:1
Tom Hayashi wins Trans Columbia River Swim AB 9-3-1937:1
Cumtux issue: Laura Couch (Kennedy) story Cumtux, 1984, Vol. 4, No. 4, page 20
Vera Gault article: Laura Couch, age 16, takes 3rd place in Columbia River Swim
Vera Gault article “Now and Then” #143, also #155
Tom Hayashi is mentioned by John Pincetich in Cumtux, 1999, Vol. 19, No. 3, page 13
Tom Hayashi graduated from Astoria High School, a member of the A Club in 1933.
He saved an elderly man from drowning in 1936
He went to the University of Oregon in 1933
Two relatives (brother and sister?) won awards at AHS
Tom graduated from the University of Oregon AB 6-5-1939:
He married in 1936
Bruce Mathre was a cannel swimmer AB 8-20-1953: 3
Elvera Johnson, known as “Skip” was the first woman to swim across the Columbia River according to the Columbia River Gillnetter Vol 37, No. 1, Winter 2006
The Daily Astorian has a story from August 14, 1984, page 7A about the swimmers Jim Reed, Fred Rossitor and Laura Couch.
Liisa Penner
Liisa
So nice to meet you this week at the Historical Society Office.
There is so much history regarding adventure swim on the Columbia. Thank you for your outline below…
Attached is an article on David Mathre. (CCed here.) He swam across the Columbia accompanied by his cousin who was rowing a boat alongside. I have spoken with him about our event on August 11th!*
At this year’s Regatta there will be a Closing Ceremony at the Barbey Center starting as our swim finishes. Vendors and volunteers will be recognized. It might be fun toe have a table dedicated to the history of swims across the Columbia.
Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts…
Dr. Paul Silka
