Green Swimmer Girl

Brian Zeichick, Catalina Channel, September 2025

When I first got into marathon swimming, my biggest fear was injury from overworking my shoulders, neck, and legs. After consulting with Erika, she gave me a guide to follow that gradually built up my endurance. As I started to do longer and longer training swims, I was surprised that I was feeling great. And during and after my Catalina swim, I was surprised about how quickly I recovered – I was back in the water 2 days after my swim. I couldn’t have done this with Erika’s support and wisdom about marathon swimming.

Sarah Weidman, Tahoe True Width, July 2025

I found Erika just at the right time! I had just signed up for my first marathon swim across Tahoe. She came highly recommended, and I knew was the right coach for me as soon as we met! Erika has the perfect combination of knowledge, enthusiasm, encouragement and practicality. She guided me through everything from currents to nutrition advice. She adjusted my swim plan as needed, and she even had myself, my swim partner and our crew over to show us how to deliver feeds during the swims.

I highly recommend Erika for your next swim, big or small. She will be with you every step of the way.

Leah Taylor-Kearny, Catalina Channel, September 2024

I highly recommend Erika as a Coach for marathon swimming. Whether it’s building endurance, improving cold acclimation, or sharpening mental toughness, Erika excels at preparing swimmers for the physical and psychological demands of long-distance swims. As a beginner, I faced many challenges with nutrition and training. With Erika’s guidance and tailored training plans, I was able to build the endurance and cold tolerance necessary to complete three marathon swims ranging from 10 to 21 miles.

Erika’s expertise goes beyond just training—she’s also an outstanding crew member. She served as my crew chief for my Catalina Channel crossing, and her organizational skills were critical in ensuring everything went smoothly. From designing my feed plans to coordinating equipment and medications, Erika made sure all the details were covered. During the swim, her experience proved invaluable. When I struggled to tolerate my calorie-dense feeds, she worked seamlessly with my crew and pilots to adapt and find energy sources that worked.

Anyone can handle a straightforward swim, but when it comes to tackling tough, long-distance challenges, Erika is the one you want on your team. Hire her—she’s the best!