The 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan is a 28.5-mile circumnavigation of Manhattan.
Sanctioned by New York Open Water (NYOW), the 20 Bridges Swim is a professionally organized marathon swim and one of the three legs of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, alongside the English Channel and the Catalina Channel. The event is conducted under strict Marathon Swimmers Federation (MSF) rules and requires an independent official observer to monitor and verify the entire swim, ensuring it is recognized globally as an unassisted open water marathon achievement.
I completed the 20 Bridges Swim. Circumnavigating the 48.5 km (28.5 miles) of Manhattan in 8 hours, 23 minutes, and 17 seconds was one of the most intense experiences of my life. Doing this at 16, under official marathon rules, meaning no touching the boat or kayak, was a massive test of everything I’ve trained for.
The Preparation Before the 20 Bridges Swim
The Prep and The Jump :
Our day started long before the sun was fully up. After traveling from Long Island, the team met at the marina for the final mission check. We went through everything: the gels and liquids for my 30-minute feeding intervals, backup goggles, and anti-chafing prep. Once the gear was set, we took the escort boat to Pier A.
There was a specific kind of excitement during that boat ride to the start line.
At 09:37 AM, I jumped into the 75°F water. From that moment, I was in the hands of my team: my kayaker Alex, observer Nargus, and my father and Paula on the escort boat.
Managing the Rivers During the Swim Around Manhattan
Managing the Rivers
We took a counter-clockwise route, which is a constant strategic battle. You aren’t just swimming; you’re playing a game with the tides.
East River: It started fast with heavy boat traffic. Passing under the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges was incredible, even with light rain gently falling throughout the swim.
Harlem River: This was the “technical” part. It’s narrow and full of weird whirlpools and eddies near Ward’s Island. I had to focus on my core stability and make constant micro-adjustments just to stay on a straight line.
Hudson River: By the 6th hour, the fatigue really started to hit my lower back. The Hudson felt huge, and the massive rolling wakes from passing ships kept trying to break my rhythm. This is where my 30-minute feeding schedule became my lifeline.
Safety and Pilot Authority in the 20 Bridges Swim Manhattan
The Pilot and Safety:
One thing you learn quickly in marathon swimming is that safety is the absolute priority. In the water, the Pilot (Captain) has the final word. If the conditions turn or the Captain says “get out,” you get out without question. Respecting that authority and the river’s power is part of being a professional athlete.
Finishing the 20 Bridges Swim Manhattan at Pier A
The Finish at Pier A:
As we passed Pier 40 and my dad signaled “less than one hour to go,” I found a gear I didn’t know I had left. Despite the choppy water and jet skis, I pushed back toward the start point.
Back at Pier A, Alex gave the official whistle to signal the finish.
Reaching that point after 8.5 hours was an unreal feeling.
This swim was a masterclass in teamwork and mental grit, and a huge step toward my goal of the Triple Crown.
By completing this swim, I became one of the youngest 16 swimmers in the world to finish the 20 Bridges Swim Manhattan course. I also earned the distinction of being the youngest Turkish swimmer to successfully complete this challenging route.
