Mary Murphy celebrated her 79^th birthday by skiing 26 miles to Catalina across open ocean. After completing that trip she promised to complete the round trip for her 80^th birthday. She made good on that promise on April 17, 1998 with a 52 mile, 4½ hour ride that amazed her family, friends, and media.

The training for Murphy’s oceanic journey began with hour long walks and morning exercises. Then Mary’s son Mike Murphy bought her a membership to the local gym where she added weight training, aerobics, and stretching classes.

The voyage was delayed 3 weeks due to bad weather cause by El Niño, but the actual day of the big event was picture perfect. The journey began fittingly at the Queen Mary in Long Beach Harbor. Our Queen Mary hopped in the brisk water and began her odyssey a 6:30 AM under clear blue skies and calm, cloudless conditions. The port of Long Beach with it’s giant ships and cargo cranes passed quickly as Mary made her way out through the breakwater to the open sea. Santa Catalina Island loomed ahead, as 5 foot swells rose and fell gently. A lone seal peered curiously at the spectacle, and later a school of dolphin joined the fun. Mary rode her Sky Ski this year, a sit down hydrofoil waterski that is manufactured by her son Mike. Pat, the eldest son had driving duties while Mike observed. The octogenarian made the island in under two hours. In Avalon Harbor she climbed aboard for a quick break and a photo session. Mary was quickly back into the water with her full length Body Glove Wetsuit for the return flight. The snow capped mountains of Southern California stood silent witness 50 miles off , and the weather continued to cooperate completely.

The second half of the trip was unremarkable, except for the fact the an eighty year old great grandmother rode over 4 hours across more than 50 miles of open ocean with just two falls! As Mary let go of her rope triumphantly near the Queen Mary, those on hand let out a wild cheer. She did it!

On the dock Mary was greeted with hugs and cheers from family and friends on shore. More newspapers and TV were waiting so Mary, ever the show off, took another 15 minute ride for more video and photos! She would even give the Energizer Bunny a run for his money!

Finally all in attendance boarded the 72 foot long Body Glove yacht "Disappearance". This is the second year Body Glove drove support for the crossing, and graciously offered food and drink for everyone involved. Mary, surrounded by a few of her family including her husband Nick, two sons, daughter, and grandson blew out the candles on her 80th birthday cake. What a day!

Stats:

Mary Murphy born March 25, 1918

Learned to ski: age 42

Learned to hydrofoil: age 75

Family: husband - Nick

sons (3) Pat, Mike, Nick

daughter (1) Mary

grandchildren (6)

great grandchildren (2)

 

When asked what her favorite part of the trip was she replied with a smile, "all the attention I’m getting from these young guys!"