Nick Jessen
From Openwaterpedia
Nicholas Jessen is an open water swimmer from New Zealand’s Nicholas Jessen for completing his Catalina Channel crossing in an impressive 9:24:58 (pending ratification), despite some pretty challenging overnight conditions. When he exited the water, he clicked his heels together in honor of his old mate, who did that when he won races. Nick was supported aboard the Bottom Scratcher by his wife, Laura, and friend Paul Schackman. On the kayak were Sidney Russel and Steve Sutton. The swim was observed by Joel Virgel and Linda Bamford for the CCSF.
Open Water Swimming Highlights
- He completed a 32.3 km crossing of the Catalina Channel from Catalina Island to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in 9 hours 24 minutes 58 seconds.
- On 15 April 2026, he attempted a 45 km crossing of the Molokai Channel from Molokai Island to Oahu, kayaked by Sidney Russell and Steve Sutton with observers Joel Virgel and Linda Bamford.
- On 9 March 2024, he completed a crossing of Lake Taupō in New Zealand in 13 hours 7 minutes 22 seconds from Little Waihi to the Lake Taupo Yacht Club.
- On 10 April 2025, he completed a 23 km Te Moana-o-Raukawa / Cook Strait crossing in 8 hours 40 minutes 18 seconds from South Island to North Island in New Zealand.
- On 16 April 2026, he completed a 45 km Molokai Channel crossing in 16 hours 40 minutes after starting on South Papohako Beach on Molokai Island and finishing on Alan Davis Beach on Oahu, escorted by captain Michael Twigg-Smith.
