Stewart recalls the Eagle Ray 7km swim

Minutes after High Noon on Saturday, two waves of swimmers left for what was for many the longest self-propelled aquatic adventure of their lives during the Eagle Ray 7km Ocean Swim, and they had Saipan Swim Club head coach Michael Stewart and his band of volunteers to thank for their safety.

Before the first swimmer donned goggles and a cap Stewart had already checked the tides, set a date, and sent the emails to remind everyone of the journey, as well as rounding up volunteers to man the small fleet of kayaks that kept them on course.

All of the hard work associated with organizing the island-to-island jaunt was well worth the effort as Stewart was pleasantly surprised with the turnout despite less than picture perfect conditions.

“It never ceases to amaze me of the athletic fortitude of our many island aquatic adventurers. On Saturday, I arrived at Pau Pau Beach eyeing 32 swimmers that wanted to take the incredible challenge of swimming four and a half miles from Pau Pau beach to the island of Managaha. The weather was not perfect, but the tide was as high as the spirits of the swimmers,” he said.

While the trip takers were ready and willing to push their bodies to their limits, Stewart said that they almost didn’t get the chance because there was a lack of kayaks and kayakers.

In true island fashion, the community came through in the clutch when an additional six of the paddle craft arrived at the beach thanks to the efforts of Mamiko Oshima and Qamar Schuyler.

Were it not for the kayaks, the swim would have been scrubbed, but instead, the first wave of 17 swimmers departed from Saipan’s shores at 12:15pm, followed by an additional 15 member school that gave chase 20 minutes later as a part of the second wave.

“Fins, Snorkels, and Wet Suits were allowed for those that needed. Thru the corals, tropical fishes, jellyfish, strong currents, choppy seas, and yes even Eagle Rays, the 32 swimmers swam their way 7,000 meters to the final goal, Managaha,” said Stewart.

Two and a half hours later the coach greeted all of the exhausted swimmers on shore and guided the stragglers who drifted slightly off course further down the beach from the sand. While receiving a heap of thanks from the participants, Stewart shelled out appreciative words to his volunteers.

“One in all said it was a hard feat, but an enjoyable one. Great thanks need to go out to all the volunteers that kayaked with the swimmers for safety, and our pack mules Linda Graf and Gayle Martin who delivered the finish line refreshments,” he said.

Last year, a former longtime CNMI resident Rob Carruth came up with the idea for the inter-island journey and coach Stewart said that he plans has no plans of bailing out on the long distance event.

“Thank you to Rob Carruth for his insight at attempting this adventure as we will continue this event from here on out,” he said.