The event kicked off with registration at 9 a.m. followed by the 9-mile kayak pilots leaving the beach at 9:30 and the 9-mile swimmers taking the plunge at 10 a.m. Following their departure from the beach, the paddle boarders took off. The participants made their start on Caroline St. and finished on 145th st.
Throughout the day there were different races going out into the ocean. Swimmers could chose a 1-mile, 3-mile or 9-mile swim. Participants could also chose if they wanted to kayak or swim.
Founder Corey Davis said he’s excited to see how much this event has grown.
“It has grown tremendously over the years and we would like to see it continue growing,” Davis said.
The event is as much about swimming as it is helping people. Davis suffered a traumatic brain injury 9 years ago following a motorcycle crash. The doctors told him he would need assisted living and help throughout all aspects of his life from then on. Davis worked with specialists at Johns Hopkins who helped him greatly along the way.
“You know, Hopkins worked with me and in my opinion gave me my life back,” Davis added.
There were participants from all age groups and levels and even swimmers from California, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
This event is one of Johns Hopkins biggest “Survive and Thrive” events. All funds raised during this event, go to Johns Hopkins further research.
