Oil Platform Esther Swim - August 30, 2026

On August 30, 2026, The Tridiots embarked on the first Oil Platform Esther Swim from Seal Beach since 2018. Tail end of summer and heading into a record breaking El Niño the water was a balmy 76 degrees. The crew ranged in age from 17 to 78 years old and included: Mark Kachigan Justin Rauzon Ryan Rauzon Caleb Rauzon Avery Heid Oscar Fricke Bill Braun Klara Phillips Eric Hladilek Robb Kelman Terry Castelli Kurt Kachigan (Kayak) Devin Heid (SUP) Lydia (Kayak) The sea lions gave us a full throated cheer upon our arrival and circumnavigation of the platform. There was some swell, but conditions were great and generally improved as the swim went on. We all finished well and celebrated with a feast in the parking lot.