When Joshua Kerns first contacted us in November 2019, he was looking for a way to push his limits and honor the memory of his grandmother. That request marked the start of a years-long journey of endurance, personal growth, and overcoming fears and grief through open water swimming.
Joshua’s story is one of transformation. After the loss of his grandmother, Mildred Louise Weber, he turned to running, then swimming, as a way to heal. Inspired by a missed opportunity to visit Alcatraz with her, he set his sights on swimming from the island to shore—a symbolic way to connect with her memory and face his fears.
On December 9, 2019, Joshua completed his Alcatraz swim, an experience that would shape the next chapter of his journey. With our guidance, he trained rigorously, improving his endurance and stroke technique. His dedication was evident in his consistent training—first in the pool, then in open water, steadily increasing his distance and confidence.
By 2021, Joshua was looking beyond Alcatraz. He started training for longer swims, including the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz course. He refined his stroke mechanics with the support of our coaches and prepared for even bigger challenges.
Then he set his sights on the Bridge to Bridge swim, a 6.2-mile journey from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge. Understanding that the swim is heavily current-assisted, he sought our advice on whether he could complete it without training the full six miles. We reassured him that “time in the water” was more important than distance—and he was ready.
In May 2021, Joshua swam Bridge-to-Bridge further cementing his evolution as an open water swimmer. His efficiency, strength, and pacing had all improved, thanks to his dedication to training and refining his technique.
The beginning of this journey was beautifully captured in Swimming the Rock, Joshua’s story is more than just about swimming—it’s about growth, resilience, and honoring his grandmother’s memory. Since its release, the film has received widespread recognition, premiering at multiple film festivals:
Film Festival Selections:
• World Premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival (2023)
• Official Selection at the Albany Film Festival (2023)
• Official Selection at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (2024
• Official Selection at the Alameda International Film Festival (2024)
• Official Selection at the SF Frozen Film Festival (2024)
• Official Selection at the San Jose International Shorts Film Festival (2024)
Watch the Film: Swimming the Rock
Interested in your own Alcatraz or Bridge to Bridge swim? Join us for a swim and start your own open water journey…