Susanne Welbanks Robinson

Lake Erie

At age 36, on 30th July 2007 and coached by Karen Hillis, Susanne registered the fastest female crossing recorded by SSO for the Lake Erie course from Crystal Beach (Ontario) to Sturgeon Point (New York), with her time of 8 hours 14 minutes. Her RECORD stood for a year until it was broken by Natalie Lambert.

Her swim started at 8:32 am and was monitored and documented by Swim Master John Munro. A light north-east wind produced waves up to 1 foot (30 cm) and the weather was ideal, with water temperatures around 23 degrees C.

Lake Ontario

Susanne's swam Lake Ontario 3 years later, at age 39, on 10-11 August 2010,  from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Leslie Street Spit in 24 hours 48 minutes - earning her a spot in the highly-respected 24-Hour Club.

At the start, the sky was overcast with light fog, air temperature 23-deg.C, water at a balmy 26.8-deg.C, and a light westerly wind, on their planned trek to Marilyn Bell Park. 

With shoulder problems at 6 hours, and over 14 km into the swim, a pacer joined Susanne in the water. Her coach suggested change in stroke mechanics and the repositioning of the kayak and her shoulder problems started to reduce.

After 16 hours, Susanne was notably tiring; however, the water was calm and the sky was bright sky from Northern Lights above Toronto. 

At 14.5 hours, the decision was made to change course to Vicki Keith Point at Leslie Street Spit (LSS) when she was 10 km away due to the water temperature registering 14 degrees C. Susanne eventually landed safely and in good spirits at 8:00 am on 11th August.

Susanne's swim was dedicated to raising money for the Shriner's Club, “Susie’s Swim For Shrine Kids”.