Deborah Gardner, Catalina Channel, October 2025
“From my very first customized workout with Erika to quickly achieving a new Guinness World Records, it’s been an epic ride! Thank you Erika for turning this marathon swimming rookie into a record-breaking dreamer. Now, let’s do it again!” – Deborah Gardner, Oldest Woman to swim Catalina Island Channel 2025
Jennifer Karlin, Catalina Channel, September 2025
Working with Erika at Green Swimmer Girl was essential for my successful crossing of the Catalina Channel in 2025. Before training with Erika, I had never done a solo marathon swim. Erika taught me everything from how to set up a training plan to feeding to emotional preparation. She introduced me to other mentors and crewed on my boat during my successful crossing, which took 5 more hours than expected due to storms and swells! I am now excited to attempt the triple crown and owe this successful foundation to Erika!
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!
Maryam Sharifzadeh, English Channel, July 2024
Erika has been a game-changer in my marathon swim training. Her coaching style is a mix of tough love and aquatic magic. Erika’s expertise in technique, endurance, and mental strategy has helped me push past limits I didn’t think possible. With personalized training plans and constant support, I’ve not only become a stronger swimmer but also gained the confidence to tackle challenging swims. I highly recommend Erika to anyone serious about taking their swimming to the next level!
Lisa Fasano, Round Trip Angel Island, September 2025
I was so excited to learn Erika started marathon swim training and I met her to talk about my goal of swimming RTAI in 2025. She asked me about my goals, experience, cold water acclimation, my pace, feeding plan for long swims, etc. and, most importantly in my case, identifying any challenges. I have some serious health problems including fusions in the majority of my spine. She didn’t hesitate to encourage me and enthusiastically said she can develop a training plan which she can tailor to my specific needs.
In addition to developing the perfect plan for me she was available for regular coaching sessions so that I could check in with questions, talk about my strategy for the swim, talk about my training and receive valuable expertise and advice. Erika provides documentation throughout the training up to the swim which is invaluable. She provides a list of her favorite things from feeds and pool workouts to mantras and suggestions for mental toughness.
It was Erika’s help beyond coaching which has touched my heart and why I will forever associate my RTAI swim with her. She prepared me and my crew during her weekend, she was my Crew Chief on the boat and right there if I needed her and documented the whole 13 hour swim. All because she wanted to support me. Finally, the joy, pride and excitement for me as we hugged after the swim was priceless! As a former competitive equestrian with a string of coaches behind me I can say I have never felt as heard, encouraged and respected as I have with Erika.
David Swift, 10 Hour Ireland Qualifier, June 2024
The first time I took on a challenging swim with a group, Erika stayed aware of where I was and made sure I was able to finish the swim. Her encouragement and support helped me to believe I could take on more significant challenges in the water. Over the years since then, Erika has been one of the resources I turn to when I am thinking about upping my game in the water. For instance, I had been struggling to complete a 10-hour swim for the past 3 years. I spent a lot of time this past year in the pool and in the S.F. Bay, trying to train up for this swim. Over a meal one day, Erika and I had a good chat about swimming feeds. Erika knew off the top of her head what the overall calorie needs of a marathon swimmer are, and various ways to meet that caloric intake. During that chat I realised my feeds were not adequate for the swim I was attempting. I adjusted my planned schedule and feed contents, and two days later completed a 10-hour swim for the first time.
Quinn Fitzgerald, Round Trip Angel Island 2024, Executive Director, WOWSA
Erika’s expertise in marathon swimming is unparalleled because she truly understands what it takes—she’s been through it herself. When I was preparing for my Round Trip Angel Island swim, her guidance was invaluable. She provided personalized, thoughtful feedback on my training plan that addressed both my mental and physical challenges. Erika’s support not only helped me overcome my barriers but also gave me the confidence I needed to push beyond my perceived limits and ultimately achieve my goal. Her coaching made all the difference in my journey.
Erin Hallet, Round Trip Angel Island, September 2023
Erika was integral in me completing my first marathon swim. I was fairly new to open water swimming in the Bay when I first met her and with her guidance and support I went from completing my first 2+ hour swim to completing Round Trip Angel Island. Her extensive experience and knowledge around proper training plans, nutrition, and psychological resilience is unparalleled. Thanks to Erika and her unwavering support, this former sprinter & pool swimmer has become an open water marathon swimmer!
Green Swimmer Girl 