Coach Details

Gary Emich
Lane Lines to Shore Lines
Pacifica, CA

Personal open water swim coaching & private Alcatraz crossings.


Specializing in helping pool swimmers make the transition to open water swimming comfortably, confidently & safely.


USAT Certified Level 1 Coach specializing in open water swimming and racing. Current Alcatraz record holder with over 1000 crossings sans wetsuit or fins. Coach for Tri-California's Alcatraz and open-water swim clinics. Contributor to Inside Triathlon Magazine and Triathlete Magazine. Author of "A Swim Criminal Looks at 100: A Swimmer's Guide to a Successful Escape" and co-producer & co-host of a new & comprehensive open water swimming DVD "Lane Lines to Shore Lines: Your Complete Guide to Open Water Swimming." 2006 Open Water Swim Commissioner for the renowned South End Rowing Club. Race Director for the Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim from 1998 through 2009.

I've also written a book "Open Water Swimming: Lessons from Alcatraz."