Nicholas Vargas, a 17-year old from Ventura, California, broke the record from Anacapa Island to the California mainland this weekend. Vargas covered the 12.4 miles (20 km) in 4 hours 58 minutes to break 15-year-old Nicholas Caine‘s 5 hour 3 minute effort in 2008.

Over 25 crossings have been successfully completed in this channel, with the fastest two swims done by two teenagers named Nicholas.

Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association Observer Evan Morrison recalled, “Conditions were friendly for a fast swim with calm waters at the island and just a slight breeze in the channel. Water temperatures ranged from 64°F at the island to 59°F at the finish.”

Vargas competes in distance freestyle events for Buena Swim Club and Ventura High School. He recently placed first overall in the Naples Island 3-mile swim in Long Beach, California.

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