John Caughlin, the California open water swimmer who endured a terrible injury at the Maui Channel Swim where he lost a portion of his right arm and fingers of his left hand (shown below), made a surprised – and greatly appreciated – appearance at the Board Short Mile today.

Under gorgeous conditions and 71°F (21°C) water, the first-year charity ocean swim in Hermosa Beach generated solid financial support for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Nick Burton, an Air Force officer, was moved to help support the open water swimming fraternity like many in the tight-knit Californian swimming community. There was a deep sense of bonding and camaraderie with the greatest emotion saved for those athletes with physical disabilities who participated in the one-mile coastal swim near LAX Airport.

Due to the passionate organizational efforts of local watermen George Hicks and Tom Hoffman, the second-year planning has already started.

Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source