Escape returns with coach’s challenge

Much like the tides in the channel, emotions among local adventure seekers have been up and down in the past few weeks when word that one of the popular long-distance swimming events was going to be cancelled, but that all changed yesterday morning when Saipan Swim Club head coach Michael Stewart confirmed the return of the Escape From Managaha.

For the fourth year in a row, challengers will attempt to cross shipping lanes in order to complete the 3-kilometer journey from Managaha to Micro Beach on June 3. Last year, Mother Nature allowed organizers to set the swimmers free from the shores of Managaha for the first time in the history of the event, and now the locals want more.

The fee to participate in the event is only $20, and this time around all of the proceeds will go directly into the coffers of the non-profit swimming club.

In exchange for their funds, swimmers will receive one heck of an inter-island trip, a T-shirt, and a post-swim barbeque when they reach Micro Beach. There is even an opportunity for non-swimmers to have fun atop kayaks and as partygoers as the SSC will need volunteers to paddle along to ensure the safety of the Escapees. Those wishing to challenge the chicken at the barbeque can sample the food and fun for a donation of $10.

While the swim is reason enough for all comers to show in June, Stewart said issued a little extra incentive.

“Why would you want to come on out there to see me on a kayak? You really don’t want to see me in a kayak, and swimming by myself is kind of boring, so I am challenging Tina Chau to be my Cleopatra and I will pull her in a kayak from Managaha to Micro Beach,” he said.

The coach didn’t stop there as he said that he will be pulling a two-seat kayak, but the second person who will get a ride back from the beach will have to pay a bit for their fare, as the seat will be awarded to the highest bidder.

All of the funds will go directly to the SSC, and while the coach might be better off swimming with smaller passengers, Stewart said that he remains undaunted by possibility of plus-sized passengers.

“I’d even like a larger person to make it more of a challenge for me. The larger the person, the larger the challenge. No weight limit for me,” he said.

Unfortunately for Stewart, the possibility of landing Chau on the kayak is shrinking as the anchor has been honing her skills in the pool and may possibly make the journey under her own power.

Rather than sit idly by, Stewart has been engaged in talks with local celebrities to occupy one of the seats on the kayak, and bids have already come in from potential passengers.

For more information about the 4th Annual Escape From Managaha, contact Stewart via email at wfla@hotmail.com or place your bid for the open seat on the kayak at thesportsshow1080@yahoo.com.