Catherine Breed, 33, is preparing to become the first person to swim the entire 900-mile California coastline from Oregon to Mexico. The $500,000 expedition, funded by individual donors and corporate sponsors, will require 80-126 days of swimming 5-8 hours daily. Breed is leaving her position at Intuitive Surgical to focus on the unprecedented athletic challenge.

Breed's support team includes medical professionals, nutritionists, and logistics coordinators. Her boyfriend will shadow the 52-foot support vessel in a sprinter van, resupplying the crew. The team will document conditions daily for ratification by the World Open Water Swimming Association.

Beyond athletic achievement, Swim California aims to raise awareness and funds for ocean conservation. Breed will hold public education events at key locations along the coast, addressing issues like kelp forest health and offshore drilling. The project already has attracted corporate sponsorship and public interest before its launch.