Jacob Gridley, the most qualified marathon swimming support crew person I know

Jacob is 13 years old, but he's not your typical young teenager.  Just like many teenage boys, he enjoys learning and mastering extreme sports: snowboarding, unicycling, pogo sticking, etc...  But what makes him stand out is that he has exceptional endurance.  He has run six half marathons and is aspiring to run a full marathon very soon.

Jacob finishes the 2011 Pocatello Half Marathon

 A recent example of his extreme endurance:  Three days ago he ran the Pocatello Half Marathon, then two days later paddled solo in a kayak, nearly 20 miles in grueling conditions, the length of Bear Lake. Jacob is one of the most experienced kids his age, in long distance lake kayaking. Here are some examples:

• Paddled nearly 9 miles in the 2011 Antelope Island to Black Rock race for marathon swimmer, Greg O'Connor, director of the Boston Light Race.
• Paddled 21 miles in the Great Salt Lake for my English Qualifier.
• Paddled 19 miles - the length of Bear Lake
• Paddled over 12 miles to Fremont Island and back.
• Paddled 10 miles in the Deer Creek Open Water Marathon.
• Paddled over 8 miles in my record setting Antelope Island to Black Rock marathon swim
• Paddled 6 miles in the 2010 Slam the Dam Grand Slam
• Navigated over 7 miles in my 2010 Bear Lake width crossing
• Many training swims where he was my support for swims ranging from 4-10 miles

All this starting when he was 10 years old!

With all this experience that he's gained, he is probably one of the most qualified people I could have with me on the boat as I swim the English Channel next year. He's demonstrated that he's got the physical and mental endurance.  He's already got a significant resume built up as a valuable support crew member for marathon swimmers.  I'm honored to have him on my team!