A Celebration of Open Water Swimming Excellence
| Pan Pacific Swimming Championships: | | The Pan Pacific Swimming Championships is one of the world's major swimming championships that includes a 10K marathon swim event. The first Pan Pacific Swimming Championships was first held in 1985 and was founded by its four Charter nations: Canada, USA, Australia and Japan. The Championships include any non-European country wishing to participate. The first time the 10K Marathon Swim was added to the competition schedule was in 2006 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. |
| | Schedule: | | Saturday, August 21st - Pre-race technical meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine. | | Sunday, August 22nd - 9:00 am men's start of the 10K marathon swim in Marine Stadium in Long Beach. 9:10 am women's start of the 10K marathon swim on same course. |
| | Where: | Marine Stadium at 5255 E. Paoli Way in Long Beach, California 90803; telephone: +1 562-570-3215. Site of the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics rowing competition, Marine Stadium is a flat-water GPS-marked course with immediate guide buoys. One length of the course is 1K. One complete loop is 2K. Run Racing has set up a unique course where the athletes pass a floating feeding pontoon 9 times in a 10K course. The course is easy to see from all points along the shoreline - where Michael Phelps and the other stars of the USA Swimming National Swim Team will be onshore cheering on their open water teammates. |
| | Marine Stadium Practice Schedule: | The course set up in Marine Stadium will be announced shortly. |
| | Marine Stadium: | The swim course is in calm waters and the run course is flat, fast and scenic. The typical water temperature in Marine Stadium in August is between above 68°F (20°C) depending on the weather. The water conditions are excellent and safe. There are no waves inside Marine Stadium where the swim takes place. |
| | Parking and Directions: | | There is parking available in the Marine Stadium lots. There is also additional parking located close on Colorado Lagoon and street parking along Appian Way. | | Southbound Pacific Coast Highway - Going South on Pacific Coast Highway, turn right onto Bellflower Blvd. Turn right onto Colorado Street. Turn left on Nieto Ave. Turn left on Appian Way. Marine Stadium will be on the left. | | Northbound Pacific Coast Highway - Going North on Pacific Coast Highway, turn left onto 2nd Street. From 2nd Street, merge right onto Appian Way exit. Turn left onto Appian Way. Marine Stadium will be on the right. | | Southbound I-405 Freeway - Take I-405 South, exit Bellflower Blvd and turn left. Turn right onto Bellflower Blvd. Turn left on Nieto Ave. Turn left on Appian Way. Marine Stadium will be on the left. | | Northbound I-405 Freeway - Take I-405 North, merge onto 7th Street exit – exit Studebaker Rd. Turn left onto Studebaker Rd. Turn right onto Westminster Ave (turns into 2nd Street). From 2nd Street, merge right onto Appian Way exit. Turn left onto Appian Way. Marine Stadium will be on the right. |
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| | Facebook: | | The event online social network is here at Facebook. |
| | Twitter: | | Tweets will be provided live on Twitter (http://twitter.com/swimopenwater) from the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. |
| | Water Quality: | | Water quality in the venue is monitered daily by the City of Long Beach. The water quality test data is publicly available here. |
| | Water Temperature: | | If you want to know the approximate water temperature in Marine Stadium (Los Angeles), check the National Oceanographic Data Center along the southern Pacific Coast for historical and real-time information here. |
| | Questions, Comments, Requests? | | Email Steven Munatones at
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Happenings in the Open Water World |
Besides the 2010 World Open Water Swimming Championships, there will be some incredible feats of endurance in 2010. Without a doubt, the sport is EXPLODING with excitement, passion and adventure. Since 2010, the following swims have been announced and these intrepid swimmers are training hard for these swims of unprecedented nature. Independently planned, these swims showcase the courage, imagination and abilities of swimmers from all walks of life. Penny Palfrey's 72.4-mile solo swim between Kauai and Oahu in Hawaii's Kaieiewaho Channel in April (shown above). No shark cage, no wetsuit, English Channel rules fighting huge ocean swells in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Lewis Pugh's 1K swim in a glacial lake on Mt. Everest in April. His preparation for another incredible non-wetsuit swim - despite the incredibly high risk of danger - at over 17,400-feet (5,300-meter) is nearly beyond comprehension. Petar Stoychev, the nine-time world marathon swimming champion, will join other pros at the new Ocean Racing Series World Championship and King of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, South Africa in April. Petar and the other pros must survive four tough preliminary elimination heats - swum one right after another - to reach the final prize-money heat. The Night Train's 6-person 113-mile relay across the Sea of Cortez in Mexico in May. Captained by Vita Bialla, the team will consist of three American men and three Mexican woman, including Mexican superstar channel swimmer Nora Toledano Cadena, who will follow the English Channel rules in some of the richest aquatic marinelands in the world as they attempt to set the worl's longest ocean swimming relay record.
Marco Diaz's Swim across the Continents from May to August where he will attempt to complete five different swims, where he touches five different continents of the world. His swims will be hard in Indonesia, Djibouti, in the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Bering Strait between Big Diomedes in Russia to Little Diomedes in Alaska.
 Dan Martin's Global Triathlon where he will literally swim, bike and run his way around the globe. The entire Earth. A complete circumnavigation around the world, starting with a modified English Channel rules swim from New York to France across the Atlantic Ocean. Dan will swim without a wetsuit for hours on end every day. When Dan gets out of the water in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, his support team will mark the exact point he gets out by GPS. Even if his support boat moves from that point while Dan is resting, sleeping or eating, his boat will drop him off again at the exact point, enabling him to truly say that he swam across the Atlantic Ocean. Karen Rogers's 27-mile solo swim from the Farallons Islands to San Francisco's Aquatic Park in early June in some of the most dangerous waters of the world. No shark cage, no wetsuit, English Channel rules in 50-55°F (10-12.7°C) Great White Shark-infested waters.
The Night Train's 6-person 27-mile relay from the Farallons Islands to San Francisco's South End Rowing Club in Aquatic Park in early June in some of the most dangerous waters of the world, again captained by Vito Bialla (shown above). No shark cage, no wetsuit, English Channel rules in 50-55°F (10-12.7°C) Great White Shark-infested waters.  The incredibly competitive 2010 World Open Water Swimming Championships in Lac St-Jean in Quebec, Canada in July. The fastest and among the most experienced open water swimmers from over 40 countries will gather to compete in one of the most famous open water swimming venues in the world. James Pittar's solo attempt of the Tsugaru Channel in Japan in July, another step in his attempt to become the first person to successfully complete the Ocean's Seven. The only blind swimmer inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, James already has crossed the English Channel, Catalina Channel and the Strait of Gibraltar. Jamie Patrick's solo 66-mile solo triple-crossing of Lake Tahoe at 6200 feet between California and Nevada in August. With no wetsuit and in the thin air high up in the mountains of the western United States, Jamie will English Channel rules as he swims the length of a gorgeous lake that sits between California and Nevada. Anne Cleveland's double-double in the Catalina Channel in August where she will attempt to be the first person - man or woman, young or not-so-young - in history to complete two separate two-way crossings of both the English Channel and Catalina Channel in August. A remarkably fast woman, north of the age of 50, swims like she found the fountain of youth. The Mighty Mermaids, six woman who are also apparently drinking from the same fountain of youth, will attempt to break the world's relay record in the Catalina Channel in August. An incredible feat completely within their grasp.
Rob Hutchings and Todd Cameron's 2,300K swim along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in the longest eco-swim on record. The two men will swim up to 8 hours a day in a solar-powered shark cage - naturally - for 5 months beginning in November in order to call attention to the fragility of nature's largest living organism: The Great Barrier Reef.
The newly expanded King of the Sea and Queen of the Sea Challenge in Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in December where the world's best pro marathon swimmers fight it out for money. Live in a non-stop two-hour television program.
The energy, the enthusiasm, the audacity of these swimmers, race directors and support crew is beyond imagination. As Lewis Pugh knows well, these swims are just the tip of the iceberg. The wild, wild wonderful world of open water swimming has so much more from swimmers of every age, ability and background. It will be a wonderful year, without precedence. |
|  Forrest Nelson, channel swimmer extraordinaire, will be speaking about his travels, tribulations and triumphs in the waters around the world at the 2010 Global Open Water Swimming Conference in Long Beach, California on June 5th. His incredible stories will spellbind listeners. Forrest epitomizes a courageous and selfless marathon swimmer. Not only has the Californian completed swims in the Catalina Channel (twice, once in summer and once in winter), the Molokai Channel (twice, once from Molokai to Oahu and once from Oahu to Molokai), the English Channel, the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, the Cook Strait, the 12-mile Anacapa Channel in Santa Barbara (California) and the 24-mile Tampa Bay Marathon Swim, but he has also helped people as a support crew member watching, helping and paddling for other swimmers to realize their dreams. Forrest, typically humble and appreciative of his own support teams, explains why support crews are so vital to success, " Without [them], none of this would be possible. Each solo swim becomes a team achievement. Their determination grows with the rising seas." In December 2009, Southern Californian Forrest Nelson completed an unprecedented winter crossing of the Catalina Channel in 9 hours and 21 minutes. Despite a typically cool water temperature 59-61°F (15°C), Forrest swam over an hour faster than his 2004 Catalina swim of 10 hours and 35 minutes. Gentleman Forrest created his quick time on some great conditions (low winds) and beneficial surface currents (see here), " I started at dawn with an experienced crew, which kept the re-fueling breaks short and sweet. Plus, you can't shower enough praise on an excellent support during a marathon event." The 2010 Global Open Water Swimming Conference will kick-off the traditional summer open water swimming season in the USA this year. The first-time Conference will be held at the Long Beach Marriott in Southern California in collaboration with the USA Swimming National Open Water Championships. The growing list of notable speakers include 7-time world professional marathon swimming champion Shelley Taylor-Smith, channel swimmer Anne Cleveland, the world's fastest swimming pro triathlete John Flanagan, Mr. Open Water Sid Cassidy, FINA Medical Commission member and former USA Swimming national open water swim team physician Dr. Jim Miller, former world masters open water swimming champion Gerry Rodrigues , professional endurance multi-sport athlete Megan Melgaard , Ram Barkai, one of the world's foremost cold-water swimmers, Forest Nelson, channel swimmer extraordinaire, TRISLIDE and Foggle inventor Karen Smidt-Allard, Dr. Aziz of Bangladesh, a FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee member, and a host of international speakers. There will be Lifetime Achievement Awards given to three extraordinary people. These awards will be announced the week before the event. Among the numerous presentation, talks at the Symposium and Conference will include: The History of Open Water Swimming- a pictorial history of open water swimming from 1875 to the present with a colorful description of the key characters, coaches and challenges of the sport and how it has evolved over the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries and how the 2.4-mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim became part of the triathlon lore. Preparing Age-Group and College Swimmers for World-class Open Water Competitions and Triathlon Racing- a presentation of the key training aspects, physical, tactical and mental, for achieving success at the national and international levels at the 5K and 10K distances, and the Olympic-distance, Half-Ironman and Ironman triathlons. Training Triathletes for the Open Water- a presentation with concrete examples of how to take beginner, intermediate and advanced endurance athletes and make them great swimming triathletes. Professionally Officiating and Colorfully Announcing Open Water Events - a presentation on how rules are adjudicated at the national and international levels and how best to provide entertainment and color during open water events. Olympic 10K Marathon Swim Course and Triathlon Course at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics - a description of the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim and Triathlon courses at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics and how to prepare for these races that will be showcased in front of massive crowds. Hypothermia and Hyperthermia - a medical explanation of hypothermia and hyperthermia and ways to prevent these conditions from happening and degrading your open water swimming performance. Women in Open Water Swimming- a description of successful female marathon swimmers of all ages and what drives them to challenge themselves and to succeed against all odds. The Life of a Professional Marathon Swimmer - an explanation of how professional marathon swimmers train and travel and their lifestyles as they travel around the world to exotic places competing under extraordinary conditions. The Life of a Professional Triathlete - an explanation of how professional triathletes train and travel and their lifestyles as they travel around the world to exotic places competing under extraordinary conditions. Nutritional Needs of Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes- a description of the optimal dietary habits of accomplished endurance athletes with a particular focus on professional swimmers, both in the pool and open water, and in the swim leg of a triathlon. Training and Thinking Like an Olympic Champion - an explanation of how a world record holder and Olympic gold medalist trained himself and pushed himself physically and mentally to the highest echelon of his sport. The Excitement and Allure of Endurance Sports for Busy People - a description of how fit individuals can find time in their busy lifestyles to train and compete in a plethora of exciting and challenging extreme endurance sports. Creating a Big-Time Televised Open Water Extravaganza - an overview of how to plan, organize, market and deliver a safe, innovative open water swimming event that attracts pros and newcomers by the tens of thousands. Rules of Open Water Swimming- a description of the basic rules of competitive open water swimming, from drafting and finish judging to yellow cards and red flags. How to Become a Certified Open Water Swimming Official - an explanation of how to become an open water swimming official certified by USA Swimming, the governing body of swimming in the USA. Masters Open Water Swimming- a description of how adults can enjoy the abundance of pool and open water swimming opportunities offered by US Masters Swimming. How to Successfully Market Products to Triathletes and Open Water Swimmers- a real-life success story of how a mother came up with several clever product ideas and created a highly profitable, globally successful company out of her home Pool Open Water - a presentation on how to train triathletes and swimmers in the pool in order to teach open water tactics and reach their potential in competitive open water events and triathlons. Crossing Channels Ocean by Ocean - an inspirational story of how one man follows his passion, crossing channels and helping others do the same. The speakers include the following individuals: John Flanagan is currently the fastest pro triathlon in the water, a 4-year member of the USA Swimming National Open Water Team, the 2001 World Swimming Championship 4th place finisher in the 10K, owner of two of the fastest Ironman swim legs in history, a winner of the Waikiki Roughwater Swim and member of the 1997 NCAA Championship Team from Auburn University. Shelley Taylor-Smith was one of the most successful professional marathon swimmers of all time with seven pro titles. An engaging speaker, she has also served as one of the top administrators in the sport and coaches athletes at all levels. Steven Munatones who created The Daily News of Open Water Swimming, is a 2-time USA Swimming National Open Water champion, an International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inductee and board member, a FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee member, a 7-time USA Swimming National Open Water Swimming Team coach, and the Technical Swimming Delegate for the Special Olympics. Sid Cassidy, who was the starter at the 2008 Beijing Olympic 10K Marathon Swim, is a former professional marathon swimmer, multiple-time USA Swimming national team coach, the former Chairman of the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee, a top age-group swimming coach and a member of the English Channel world record relay (both single and double crossing). Anne Cleveland is the oldest individual and fastest woman over 30 to complete double-crossing of the English Channel, a solo English Channel and Catalina Channel swimmer with hundreds of open water swims and relays to her credit and a renowned motivational speaker. Gerry Rodrigues, a renowned open water swimming and triathlon coach, a World Masters Open Water Swimming champion, a masters swimming world record holder (800-meter freestyle), the former publisher of Swimming World Magazine, a creator of SwimInfo, a US Masters Swimming Coach of the Year and America’s best short-distance ocean swimmer throughout the 1990’s. Jim Miller, M.D. is a FINA Medical Commission member, former president of US Masters Swimming, an 8-time USA Swimming National Open Water Swimming Team physician, a renowned speaker on the effects of hypothermia and hyperthermia for open water swimmers, a US Masters Swimming Coach of the Year and Chairman of the US Masters Swimming Sports Medicine Committee. Entrepreneur Karen Smidt-Allard who envisioned, invented and markets TRISLIDE, Foggle and Tri-Swim hair care products to the swimming and triathlon worlds. Ram Barkai is one of the world's most foremost adventure swimmers who has swum incredible distances in Antarctica, South Africa, Alaska and Europe...in the dead of winter. Ram seeks adventure and reaches deep within himself to seek the outer limits of his athletic and mental potential while balancing work, family and his generous charitable activities. The Long Beach Marriott is offering a special package deal for all conference attendees. |
| Yellow Flag and Red Cards 
A Yellow Flag or Yellow Card (noun): A yellow-colored penalty card or flag that indicates an official warning to a swimmer due to unsportsmanlike conduct or an infraction of the rules during an open water race. The head referee gave a yellow card to the swimmer who cut across the back of his competitor. Synonym: warning.
Red Card (noun): A red-colored penalty card that indicates the immediate disqualification of a swimmer due to unsportsmanlike conduct or a serious infraction of the rules during an open water race. The head referee gave a red card to the swimmer who pulled back his competitor around the turn buoy. Synonyms: disqualification, DQ.
During the 2009 USA Swimming National 10K Championship race, head referee Sid Cassidy, was caught on tape giving a yellow flag to one of the swimmers.
The process of blowing a whistle, giving hand signals to the athletes, writing the swimmer’s number on the white board and reporting the infraction to the Chief Referee is rarely seen from shore or by spectators. However, the entire process can be seen in this short race video off the coast of Ft. Myers, Florida.
At the 2010 USA Swimming National 5K and 10K Open Water Swimming Championships in Long Beach, California on June 4-6, there will be spectator boats on the course, so parents, fans and media representatives will be able to see this referee-swimmer interaction up close and personal.
Definition excerpts from the Open Water Swimming Dictionary (2009 English edition). |
| After the USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championships in Long Beach on Sunday, June 6th, there will be an Open Water Pursuit race. Why is it called Open Water Pursuit?
(1) swimmers swimming together in a pack is not a relay in the traditional sense,
(2) long-track speed skating has made this pursuit concept well-known,
(3) the teams start in a staggered start, and
(4) pursuit gives the nuance that teams are swimming fast. |
| Swimming in the SerpentineThe Serpentine is the venue for the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim and the swim leg of the triathlon at the 2012 London Olympic.
Both races will be watching by upward to 100,000 fans and spectators in the centre of London.
The Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park has enjoyed a colorful history after it was created by Queen Caroline in 1730. The Olympic course will be held in the eastern half of the lake to the east of the Serpentine Bridge which marks the boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and drains out by an underground flow to the River Thames. The Serpentine's names comes from its snakelike, curving shape and is home of the highly respected Serpentine Swimming Club. Sam Greetham, a representative of British Swimming and nominee for the 2008 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year, not only helped design the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim course at the Beijing Olympics, but he also is prepared the design of the open water course on the Serpentine for the 2012 London Olympics. "It’s an unbelievable honor - not just for myself, but also for the town of Scarborough and for the sport I love," said the humble Greetham to the Scarborough Evening News.
With an eye for detail, an utmost concern for the athletes and a keen sense of the global interest in open water swimming, Sam is open water swimming's equivalent of a movie set designer: he sets the stage and then lets the stars showcase their talents. Copyright © 2010 by The Daily News of Open Water Swimming |
| Fears of the Open WaterIn an online poll conducted by The Daily News of Open Water Swimming, 208 experienced swimmers from around the world expressed their greatest fears of the open water.
Despite the hoards who are entering the open bodies of water around the world, fear still plays a factor in the minds of many. Here is what scares some people:
Sharks - 39% of total votes casted
Jellyfish/stingrays - 27%
Pollution - 24%
Things that cannot be seen - 21%
Cold water - 18%
Waves/currents/tides - 17%
Going off-course - 12%
Not finishing - 12%
Marine life other than sharks/jellyfish/stingrays - 11%
Nothing - 9%
Goggles coming off - 8%
Other - 7%
Physical contact by competitors - 7%
Not seeing the bottom - 4%
Seaweed/kelp - 4%
Everything - 2%
Vaseline/lanolin getting on goggles - 1%
You gotta respect those athletes who said, "Nothing." Shelley Taylor-Smith , seven-time world professional champion and fearless solo marathon swimming adventurer, was one of those intrepid swimmer. "Absolutely nothing I fear," which was understandable because she swam frequently in the company of sharks and was the first person to swim in a bikini in world swimming championship event. Why?
"I wore this bikini suit because of the jellyfish that were everywhere [in Perth's Swan River]. I wanted to be able to let them out [of my suit]…or get them out with easy access and not disturb my mental focus and mindset which they are renowned for doing," recalled Shelley with a smile.
"I won the race and gritted my teeth as I got stung."
Copyright © 2009 by The Daily News of Open Water Swimming |
| Great Open Water Swimming Circumnavigations There are numerous great circumnavigation (around-the-island) swims around the world. Most of the swims have yet to be attempted, planned and discovered. Here is a very short list of the some of the most popular circumnavigations around the world. If your favorite is not listed, please email us with your swims.
1. Manhattan Island
• Location: Around Manhattan Island in New York City, New York, U.S.A.
• Course: Counter-clockwise circumnavigation of Manhattan Island, starting and finishing near Wall Street
• Distance: 28.5 miles (45.8K)
• Date of Annual Race: July
• Description: Manhattan Island Marathon Swim is limited to 25 solo swimmers and 18 relay teams that start and finish at Battery Park City. Race sells out in 45 minutes. Race first held in 1927. Substantial surface chop and strong tidal pull are possible. Water temperature varies between 64-67°F (17-19°C). Salt water around Manhattan Island may also include random jetsam and flotsam. A Qualifying Swim must be completed before application will be accepted. The premier event of the NYC Swim Series that conducts numerous othher open water events and has attracted over 14,000 participants in more than 110 events.
2. Alcatraz Island
• Location: San Francisco Bay, California, U.S.A.
• Course: From Aquatic Park near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco to Alcatraz Island and back
• Distance: 3.25 miles (5.2K)
• Date of Annual Race: July
• Description: Swim Around the Rock requires extensive open water experience due to the cold water (under 60°F or 15.5°C), changing tides and fast currents, but spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and the San Francisco downtown skyline will delight the swimmers throughout the event.
3. Pennock Island Challenge
• Location: In Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S.A.
• Course: Around Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows
• Distance: 8.2 miles (13.2K)
• Date of Annual Race: August
• Description: The Pennock Island Challenge is a current-assisted course sheltered from large surf everywhere except the sound end. Water temperature ranges from mid-50s°F to low 60s°F (12.7 to 16.6°C). Air temperature will range from the mid-60s°F to mid 80s°F (18-29°C). Swimmers can enter as solo and as members of a relay. Wetsuits are allowed, but will have their own awards category. Fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association. 4. Sandycove Island
• Location: Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland
• Course: Counter-clockwise circumnavigation around the island
• Distance: Up to 1.25 miles (2K) depending on how close one swims to the island
• Date of Annual Race: September with training swims made from late winter when water can be 45°F to late summer
• Description: The Old Head of Kinsales shelters Sandycove Island from the prevalent westerly winds. Swim at high tide for the easiest swim. Low tide exposes hidden reefs and a beach at the base of the slipway. Medium currents at mid-tide can present problems for slower swimmers. Nearly 150 swims are scheduled each year at the primary training spot for open water swimmers and triathletes. Excellent training location for those preparing for an English Channel attempt. Clean crisp water with sunken reefs and waving sea plants clearly visible.
5. Hong Kong
• Location: Hong Kong
• Course: From Stanley Peninsula to Deepwater Bay, around the clean and beautiful waters of Hong Kong’s south side
• Distance: 9 miles (14.5K)
• Date of Annual Race: October
• Description: The Clean Half Marathon Swimming includes a solo swim and a 5-person relay (with 20-minute legs) around stunning Hong Kong Island in 71-81°F (22-27°C) waters through significant chop and backwash from huge rock cliffs.
6. Starnes Island
• Location: Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
• Course: 1-mile swim in 78ºF (25.5ºC) from Volente Beach around Starnes Island and back to start
• Distance: 1 mile (0.62K)
• Date of Annual Race: October
• Description: Volente Beach Waterpark Open Water Family Gala is part of the American Swimming Association open water swimming series in and around the Austin, Texas area.
7. Island of Key West
• Location: Key West, Florida, U.S.A.
• Course: Circumnavigation around Key West, the southernmost tip of Florida
• Distance: 12.5 miles (20K)
• Date of Annual Race: June
• Description: The FKCC Swim Around Key West is held in beautiful, shallow, generally calm warm waters (85°F or 29.4ºC) with the bottom of the ocean visible throughout the course. Includes a solo swim, a 2-person relay, a 3-person relay and a 6-person relay (mixed and all-female). Organized by Florida Keys Community College. 8. Swim Around Key West
• Location: Key West, Florida, U.S.A.
• Course: Clockwise course around Key West, the southernmost tip of Florida
• Distance: 12.5 miles
• Date of Annual Race: June
• Description: The original Swim Around Key West is held in beautiful, shallow, generally calm warm waters (85°F or 29.4ºC) with the bottom of the ocean visible throughout the course. Abundant marine life includes Conch shells, manna rays, seaweed, sting rays, seat turtles, very docile nurse sharks and colorful tropical fish. Includes a solo swim, a 2-person relay and a 3-person relay.
9. Absecon Island
• Location: Absecon Island, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A.
• Course: Demanding swim with strong tides and current, varying conditions and water temperatures that can range from 55°F (12.7°C) in the open ocean to 85°F (29.4°C) in the back bay.
• Distance: 22.5 miles (37K)
• Traditional Date of Race (no longer held): August
• Description: The Atlantic City Around-the-Island Marathon Swim was a traditionally one of the best professional marathon swims in the world, held 54 times since 1954, annually attracting the world’s best professional swimmers. It has been called the hardest race in the world because conditions vary so greatly. Escort boats are rowed by local lifeguards.
10. Popoia Island
• Location: Off of Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
• Course: Local swims around a low-lying uninhabited island near one of the best beaches in Hawaii. The island is a bird sanctuary and is called “Flat Island” by the locals.
• Distance: 1.2 miles (2K)
• Date: Throughout the year
• Description: Kailua Beach Park is always considered one of the top beaches in the world on the northern side of Oahu. Clean white sand beach with warm tropical water up to 80°F (26.6°C). The island has holes where sea birds make their nests. Parking available at Kailua Beach Park about a 20-minute drive from Waikiki.
11. Manana Island
• Location: Off of Makapuu Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
• Course: Challenging, potentially dangerous swim around an incredibly gorgeous uninhabited seabird sanctuary island near one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. The island is near one of the most famous bodysurfing beaches on Oahu and is called “Rabbit Island” by the locals.
• Distance: 1.2 miles (2K)
• Date: Throughout the year
• Description: The Makapuu Beach Park nearly always has rough water conditions and strong currents and sharks are an ever-present danger. Surfers and kayakers have been attacked by sharks in this area and extreme caution is strongly advised. If no experienced and vigilant escorts are available, swimmers are advised to avoid swimming in this area. 12. Mokulua Islands
• Location: off of Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
• Course: Circumnavigation around an incredibly beautiful tropical twin islands off of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Commonly known as the Twin Islands, the Moku Nui and Moku Iki. The islands are designated seabird sanctuaries that are popular among kayakers.
• Distance: 1.5 miles (1.2K)
• Date: Throughout the year
• Description: Crystal clear azure blue waters and lack of waves makes this an easy swim. Finish on a powdery white sand beach that has been designate as the Best Beach in America. Area is protected by an off-shore coral reef, but the danger of marine life is always present. If no experienced and vigilant escorts are available, swimmers are advised to avoid swimming in this area. 13. Santa Catalina Island
• Location: Rocky island 21 miles (34K) off of the coast of Southern California, U.S.A.
• Course: Extremely demanding swim in cold water with strong currents and potentially high waves and abundant marine life. Island is 22 miles (35K) long and 8 miles (13K) wide.
• Distance: At least 50 miles (80.5K)
• Date: Extraordinarily rare attempts can be made from July to September
• Description: Population of island is under 4,000 people. Threat of sharks is present. Only one circumnavigation has been authenticated (Cindy Cleveland of Seal Beach, California).
14. Coronado Island
• Location: Island between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, California, U.S.A.
• Course: Demanding swim in relatively cold water with potentially strong tides and surf
• Distance: 11.7 miles (28.5K)
• Date: Races no longer held
15. Isle of Wight
• Location: Island in the English Channel between 3-5 miles from the south coast of Great Britain
• Course: Demanding swim in cold water with strong currents
• Distance: 56 miles (90K)
• Date: Attempts can be made in July or August
• Description: Known for its natural beauty, the Isle of Wight has been a holiday resort since Victorian times. First completed by Kevin Murphy of Great Britain in 1971 in 26 hours and 51 minutes.
16. Yonaguni Island
• Location: Okinawa, Japan (near Taiwan)
• Course: Demanding swim around incredibly beautiful tropical island near Japan and the westernmost point of Japan
• Distance: 18 miles (29K)
• Date: Attempts generally made in spring or late fall, preferably October
• Description: Population of island is under 1,700 people. Thousands of hammerhead sharks congregate near tips of island within view of swimmers. Water temperature about 80°F (26.6°C). First completed in 1993 by Steven Munatones of Huntington Beach, California in 7 hours and 8 minutes.
17. Round Christiansborg Swim
• Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Course: Five 2K loops in Fredericksholm's Canal around the island that houses the palace of the Danish Parliament. Swimmers will swim through canals alongside Holmen Church, the Danish Parliament, the Danish Ministry of Culture, royal riding stables and near the central shopping area of Copenhagen.
• Distance: 6.2 miles (10K)
• Date of Annual Race: August
• Description: The Round Christiansborg Swim is a popular Danish swim for amateurs and a FINA 10KM Marathon Swimming World Cup event in 2009. Amateurs swim in the morning and the pro swimmers start the FINA World Cup race in the afternoon. Water temperatue is between 64-72°F (18-22°C)
18. Estero Island
• Location: Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A.
• Course: 25K loop around Estero Island on the west coast of Florida
• Distance: 16 miles (25K)
• Date: June
• Description: Recent site of the Open Water Festival and USA Swimming National 25K Championships. Warm water swim in the clear waters of Florida. The Open Water Festival that has numerous events from the 1-mile Dash for Cash to the 10K. 19. Trunk Island, Crow Island, Rabbit Island and Collins Island
• Location: Harrington Sounds, Bermuda
• Course: Stunningly gorgeous swim around several small islands in Harrington Sound
• Distance: 6.2 miles (10K)
• Date of Annual Race: October
• Description: Longest race in the annual Bermuda Round the Sound Swim with other 0.8K, 2K, 4K and 7.25K swims and an international field. Swim in 78°F (25.5°C) clear waters around a dramatic Caribbean coastline 650 miles east of North Carolina. Bermuda was voted the Best Island in the Caribbean/Atlantic region by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
20. Mercer Island
• Location: Island located in Lake Washington in between Seattle and the headquarters of Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, U.S.A.
• Course: Incredible views of the natural beauty of the American Northwest
• Distance: Approximately 16 miles (25K)
• Date: July or August
• Description: Mercer Island is the most populated island in a lake in the Americas and is a calm swim unless the winds come up. Water temperature is in the mid 70ºs.
21. Seward Island
• Location: Island located in Lake Washington in between Seattle and the Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, U.S.A.
• Course: Incredible views of an old growth forest and the natural beauty of the Seattle area
• Distance: 3.2 miles (5K)
• Date: July or August
• Description: Relatively easy, quite comfortable and extremely enjoyable swim with water in the mid 70ºs during summer.
22. Island of Jersey
• Location: Island located in the English Channel approximately 14 miles (22K) from Normandy, France and approximately 100 miles (162K) south of Great Britain
• Course: Scenic terrain ranging from long sandy bays to rugged cliffs
• Distance: Approximately 43.5 miles (70K) of coastline
• Date: July or August
• Description: Jersey is the largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands. First circumnavigation swim successfully completed in 1969; fastest circumnavigation swim is held by Alison Streeter, the Queen of the Channel, in 9 hours and 53 minutes. Water temperature is 64ºF (17.7ºC) and the swim is tidal assisted if timed right.
23. Valentia Island
• Location: Island located off the western coast of Ireland
• Course: Scenic Irish terrain that requires careful navigation due to tides and currents
• Distance: 16+ miles (25.7K) of coastline
• Date: July and August
• Description: First circumnavigation swim successfully completed in July 2008 by Ned Denison in 8 hours and 52 minutes. Jellyfish can be abundant when water temperature rises above 55ºF (13ºC). Numerous fish species and basking shark are popular among fishermen in the area. Water temperature expected to be under 60ºF (15ºC). Circumnavigation should be carefully planned for optimal tidal assistance.
24. Mackinac Island
• Location: Island located at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes of North America.
• Course: Normally a flat-water swim unless strong wind conditions occur
• Distance: 12 miles around the 3.8 square miles or 9.8 square kilometer island
• Date of Annual Race: Great Turtle Relay Swim Around Mackinac Island is held in July
• Description: First circumnavigation completed in 2004 by Dick Buist, Dennis Barber, Dave Newton and Ed Gilde completed the first circumnavigation relay swim in 5 hours and 11 minutes. A National Historic Landmark, the island is small and part of the state of Michigan and is can be done "carbon-neutral style" (i.e., relay swimmers rotate in the water every 20 minutes. When it is not their turn to swim, the swimmers walk around the island. Each relay member swims for 20 minutes and then walks for 60 minutes until they finish the approximately 11-12 mile circumnavigation of Mackinac Island) in the 63?F (17?C) water.
25. Gaspar Grande (also known as Gaspar Island)
• Location: Island of Trinidad & Tobago that lies in the Bocas del Dragón (Dragon's Mouth) between Trinidad and Venezuela.
• Course: Beautiful ocean course in the Caribbean Sea. Gasparee Island is the most developed of the Boca Islands
• Distance: 5.6K
• Date of Annual Race: Linden Scott Swim is held in January
• Description: Beautiful ocean swim
26. Bowen Island
• Location: In Howard Island near Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada
• Course:
• Distance: 20 miles
• Date of Annual Race: Linden Scott Swim is held in January
• Description: Four people have successfully made the circumnavigation in 63-66°F waters. A popular tourist destination, Bowen Island offers stunning vistas for a small number of inhabitants.
Copyright © 2010 by The Daily News of Open Water Swimming |
| Ocean's Seven - Scaling The Heights Of Open Water The Seven Summits are the highest mountains in each of the seven continents.
Successfully scaling these mountains is a mountaineering challenge attained by only the strongest. As of 2007, 198 climbers have achieved this expensive and physically demanding goal.
Open water swimming’s version of the Seven Summits is the Ocean’s Seven.
The Ocean’s Seven include (1) the Irish Channel between Ireland and Scotland, (2) the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand, (3) the Moloka’i Channel between O’ahu and Moloka’i Islands in Hawaii, (4) the English Channel between England and France, (5) the Catalina Channel in Southern California, (6) the Tsugaru Channel between the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido in Japan, and (7) the Strait of Gibraltar between Europe and Africa.
To the best of our knowledge, no human has yet to complete the Ocean’s Seven.
Achieving the Ocean’s Seven requires an ability to swim in both very cold and very warm seas. It also demands the swimmer is physically and mentally prepared to overcome every condition known to defeat open water swimmers, from strong currents to stiff winds.
Like its mountaineering cousin, the Ocean’s Seven requires a tremendous amount of planning, time, financial resources and multi-national support teams of knowledgeable local experts.
A description of the Ocean’s Seven follows. Note the distances listed are the shortest straight-line distances from point-to-point, but the actual distance covered by swimmers is significantly greater due to the tidal movements and currents.
1. Irish (North) Channel
• Location: Channel between Ireland and Scotland.
• Reasons for Difficulty: Heavy seas, cold water, thunderstorms and strong currents are among the natural elements that must be overcome in the 33.7K (21 miles) channel.
• Window of Opportunity: July through September.
• Hazards: Considered to be the most difficult channel swim in the world with the water temperature 54ºF (12ºC), normally overcast days, and tremendous difficulty in accurately predicting weather and water conditions. Swimmers face large pods of jellyfish if conditions are calm.
• Description: Has been attempted at least 73 times since 1924, but only 8 successful solo swims and 5 relays have been achieved to date. Most of the attempts have been abandoned due to difficult conditions and hypothermia.
• Additional Information: Swim crossings are governed by the rules set by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association. First attempt was made in 1924 and the first success was 1947.
2. Cook Strait
• Location: Channel between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
• Reasons for Difficulty: 16 nautical miles (26K) across immense tidal flows in icy water conditions among jellyfish and sharks are extremely stiff challenges for only the most capable and adventurous swimmers.
• Window of Opportunity: November through May.
• Hazards: 1 in 6 swimmers encounter sharks on their crossings. Sharks only come around to be nosey. No one has ever been attached during a swim. Both sides of the strait have rock cliffs. Cold water (14ºC-19ºC or 57ºC-66ºF) over 26 kilometers and heavy chop.
• Additional Information: To date, only 71 successful crossings have been made by 61 individuals from 8 countries. Hypothermia and change in weather conditions during a race are the most common reasons attempts fail.
3. Moloka’i Channel (or the Kaiwi Channel)
• Location: Channel between the western coast of Moloka’i Island and the eastern coast of O’ahu in Hawaii
• Reasons for Difficulty: 26 miles (41.8K) across a deep-water (701 meters) channel with extraordinarily strong currents in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and aggressive marine life.
• Window of Opportunity: As conditions permit.
• Hazards: Extremely large rolling swells, strong winds and tropical heat and very warm salty water offset the incredibly beautiful views of the Hawaiian Islands and deep-blue underwater scenery.
• Additional Information: Deep-water channel with beautiful views of the Hawaiian Islands was first crossed in 1961 by Keo Nakama in 15 hours and 30 minutes and has only been crossed by 8 individuals to date.
4. English Channel (Channel Swimming or Channel Swimming Association)
• Location: Channel between England and France with the narrowest point being in the Strait of Dover between Shakespeare Beach, Dover, England and Calais, France.
• Reasons for Difficulty: An international waterway of 34K (21 miles) at its narrowest point, cold water temperatures, strong currents and ever-shifting water and weather conditions.
• Window of Opportunity: June to September.
• Hazards: The world’s most famous channel crossing with nearly 1,000 successful swimmers to date, but thousands of failed attempts due to strong currents and tidal flows, strong winds and whitecaps caused by changing conditions and hypothermia.
• Additional Information: Considered to be the standard for channel crossing with the rules and traditions significantly influencing the worldwide open water swimming community.
5. Catalina Channel
• Location: Channel between Santa Catalina Island and Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
• Reasons for Difficulty: Cold water (especially near coast), strong currents, potential for strong winds, marine life and distance. Shortest point-to-point course is 33.7K (21 miles) from Emerald Bay on Santa Catalina Island to the San Pedro Peninsula.
• Window of Opportunity: June to September.
• Hazards: A deep-water channel that is comparable to the English Channel in terms of water conditions, difficulty, distance and the physical and mental challenges to the swimmer, although the water temperature is a bit warmer (mid-60°F water). Marine life seen on occasion, including migrating whales and large pods of dolphins.
• Additional Information: First successful swim was in January, 1927 when Canadian George Young won $25,000 in the Wrigley Ocean Marathon Swim in 15 hours and 44 minutes.
6. Tsugaru Channel
• Location: Deep-water channel between Honshu, the main island of Japan where Tokyo is located, and Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Closest points are Tappi Misaki in Honshu and Shirakami Misaki in Hokkaido.
• Reasons for Difficulty: An international waterway, 19.5K (12 miles) at its narrowest point. Swimmers must cross an extremely strong current between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, large swells and abundant marine life ranging from sharks to deadly sea snakes. English and other western languages are not spoken in area. Water can be between 62-68ºF (16-20ºC).
• Window of Opportunity: July and August.
• Hazards: Swimmers are swept long distances due to the extraordinarily strong currents flowing from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean. Swimmers face large blooms of squid during the night. Swimmers are challenged by occasional patches of cold water that flow up from the depths and are caused by the screws of the large oil tankers from the Middle East travel through to the West Coast of the U.S. Only four confirmed solo crossings and one confirmed double-crossing have been achieved to date.
7. Strait of Gibraltar
• Location: Strait between Spain and Morocco that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Shortest point is between Punta Oliveros in Spain and Punta Cires in Morocco.
• Reasons for Difficulty: 14.4K (8 miles) across an eastern flow of water from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea with an average of 3 knots (5.5 km per hour). Heavy boat traffic, logistical barriers and surface chop confront swimmers throughout each attempt.
• Window of Opportunity: June to October.
• Hazards: Its boundaries were known in antiquity as the Pillars of Hercules. The currents remain of Herculean strength. Combined with the unpredictability of the water conditions and high winds, only 185 successful one-way crossings and 7 double-crossings have been made to date.
• Additional Information: Most attempts are made from Tarifa Island due to the influence of strong currents, a distance of 18.5-22K (10-12 miles).
Who will be the first to achieve the Ocean’s Seven? Who will be the first to try?
Footnote: The Seven Second Summits is another mountaineering term that refers to the second-highest peak of each continent.
What swims might be included in the Ocean’s Second Seven, open water swimming equivalent of the Seven Seven Summits?
A very small number of candidate swims might include the Straits of Magellan in Chile, Skagerrak Strait between Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope both in South Africa, Lake Baikal in Russia, Beagle Channel between Argentina and Chile, Lake Titicaca from Bolivia to Peru, Gulf of Aqaba (or Eilat) between Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, Rottnest Channel in Australia, circumnavigation of Yonaguni Island in Okinawa near Taiwan, Loch Ness in Scotland, circumnavigation of Isle of Wight or the Jersey Island, Lake Tahoe between Nevada and California, U.S.A., Capri to Napoli in Italy, Majorca to Minorca, Spanish Balearic Islands, one of the crossings in the Santa Barbara Channel in California, U.S.A., crossing of the Five Lakes of Mount Fuji in Japan, Lake Balaton in Hungary or Lac St-Jean in Quebec, Canada, Jeble to Latakia in Syria, circumnavigation of Manhattan Island in New York City, U.S.A., or the Gulf of Toroneos in Greece…although there are innumerable other swims to be discussed, proposed and attempted, but there are many others.
Copyright © 2010 by The Daily News of Open Water Swimming |
| 5 OceansOpen water swimming adventurers like Lynne Cox, Ram Barkai and Lewis Gordon Pugh are very special people.
Lynne, an inductee in the International Swimming Hall of Fame has an incredible and well-known record of open water swimming success. Ram is making his mark in South Africa by sponsoring the Cadiz Freedom Swim and doing similar extreme swims. But, Lewis is a whole other level of pioneer and great promoter of climate change through his spectacular open water swims.
Colorfully and uniquely, swims by Lewis can be found at here.
Lewis came up with the 5 Oceans concept. Meeting the criteria of 5 Oceans concept means one completes a long-distance swim in the five oceans of the world: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern (also known as the Antarctic) and Arctic Oceans.
Well-known for his 0°C water swims in the North Pole, Pugh also swam in the Atlantic Ocean (1992 English Channel, 1992), the Arctic Ocean (2003 North Cape in Norway), the Southern Ocean (2005 Deception Island in sub-Antarctica, 2005), the Indian Ocean (2006 Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa) and Pacific Ocean (2006 15K Manly Beach to the Sydney Opera House in Australia).
The "5 Oceans" concept is modeled on the "Seven Summits" concept where mountaineers climb the highest mountain on each of the 7 continents of the world. Lewis said, "There’s something magical about swimming in all five oceans of the world. Already nearly 100 mountaineers have done the Seven Summits, and it’ll be fascinating to see how many swimmers take up this, the ultimate of challenges."
* The Ocean’s Seven - which are not liguistically correct as the swims do not cross oceans but channels - include (1) the Irish Channel between Ireland and Scotland, (2) the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand, (3) the Molokai Channel between Oahu and Molokai Islands in Hawaii, (4) the English Channel between England and France, (5) the Catalina Channel near Los Angeles, California, (6) the Tsugaru Channel between Honshu and Hokkaido in Japan, and (7) the Strait of Gibraltar between Europe and Africa. Copyright © 2010 by The Daily News of Open Water Swimming |
| | Who's The Man in the Gray Suit? The word, fish, is a colloquial term occasionally used by marathon swimmers and their support crew for the type of fish with a cartilaginous skeleton and a highly streamlined body with a tough usually dull gray skin. There are synonyms used by surfers, divers and open water swimmers for this term: Shark, The Man in the Gray Suit, Mack, Old Toothy, Garbage Can of the Sea or The Landlord. Some linguistic scholars believe shark is derived from the German word schurke, meaning villain. Copyright © 2010 by The Daily News of Open Water Swimming |
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Solo 2K Open Water Pursuit - No Pre-race Clinics - $35.00 Solo 2K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics - $60.00 Trio Team 2K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 3 swimmers - $125.00 Quad Team 2K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 4 swimmers - $160.00 Solo 4K Open Water Pursuit - No Pre-race Clinics - $35.00 Solo 4K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics - $60.00 Trio Team 4K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 3 swimmers - $125.00 Quad Team 4K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 4 swimmers - $160.00 5 Pre-race Clinics for solo swimmer - $30.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Adult - $175.00 Seat on Spectator Boat - USA Swimming National 10K Open Water Swimming Championships - $20.00 Seat on Spectator Boat - USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championships - $20.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Adult - $175.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Junior High School Students and Younger - $35.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - High School Students - $45.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - College Undergraduates and Post-Graduates - $55.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Dinner and Awards Ceremony Only - $30.00 2K Open Water Pursuit Go to Active.com to register for the 2K Open Water Pursuit on Sunday, June 6th, starting approximately at 12:30 pm. Registration is open here. The 2K Open Water Pursuit will start immediately after the finish of the USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championship race is over. - Swim 2K by yourself as a Solo Swimmer or create a 3-person Trio Team or a 4-person Quad
- Squad. Solo Swimmers will start together in a traditional open water swimming start.
- Trio Teams and Quad Squads will be set off in 15-second staggered starts.
- Start list is randomly selected so fast teams will have to navigate around slower teams and slower teams have an opportunity to draft off of the faster teams.
- Trio Team and Quad Squad swimmers must start, swim and finish together.
- The final time for the Trio Teams and Quad Squads is when all swimmers cross the onshore finish line together - it is not the cumulative time of the individual swimmers.
4K Open Water Pursuit Go to Active.com to register for the 4K Open Water Pursuit on Sunday, June 6th, starting approximately at 2:00 pm after the completion of the 2K Open Water Pursuit. Registration is open here. - Swim 4K by yourself as a Solo Swimmer or create a 3-person Trio Team or a 4-person Quad Squad.
- Solo Swimmers will start together in a traditional open water swimming start.
- Trio Teams and Quad Squads will be set off in 15-second staggered starts.
- Start list is randomly selected so fast teams will have to navigate around slower teams and slower teams have an opportunity to draft off of the faster teams. T
- rio Team and Quad Squad swimmers must start, swim and finish together.
- The final time for the Trio Teams and Quad Squads is when all swimmers cross the onshore finish line together - it is not the cumulative time of the individual swimmers.
Solo Swimmers, Trio Teams and Quad Squads can swim both the 2K and 4K Open Water Pursuits, either with their same teammates or other teammates. Drafting, Positioning, Navigating and Pacing Clinics Go to Active.com to register for the Five Pre-race Drafting, Positioning, Navigating and Pacing Clinics at the following dates and locations: - on May 22nd and May 29th at Tower 26 on the south side of Santa Monica Beach
- on May 23rd and May 30th on Corona del Mar Beach
- on June 5th in Marine Stadium in Long Beach
Click here for more information. The Clinics in Santa Monica Beach will be led by Tower 26's Gerry Rodrigues with the assistance of Steven Munatones. The Clinics in Corona del Mar Beach on Sunday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 30th will be led by Rocketfish's Hank Wise with the assistance of Steven Munatones. The Clinics in Marine Stadium in Long Beach will be conducted by Gerry Rodrigues, Hank Wise and 7-time world marathon swimming champion Shelley Taylor-Smith. Global Open Water Swimming Conference Go here to register for the unprecedented Global Open Water Swimming Conference on Saturday, June 5th. It will be the most exciting gathering of open water swimming specialists, experts, gurus and enthusiasts ever. Adults and students receive access to all sessions, panel discussions, awards ceremonies, photo and autograph opportunities, Italian dinner, special open water gifts from Tri-Swim and StingMate, and a unique Open Water Swimming Almanac. Adults are $175.00. Junior high school students and younger are $35.00. High school students are $45.00. College undergraduate and post-graduate students are $55.00. USA Triathlon Continuing Education Unit Credits Go here to learn more about the USA Triathlon Continuing Education Unit credits available for USAT certified coaches who attend the Global Open Water Swimming Conference. USA Swimming National 5K and 10K Open Water Swimming Championships Go to USA Swimming to register for the 2010 USA Swimming National 10K Open Water Swimming Championships on Friday, June 4th. The start time for the men will at 11:00 am and 11:10 am for women. Click here for more information. USA Swimming National 10K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat Click here to reserve a seat on the National 10K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat. - Boats board by 10:30 am from a dock near the start/finish.
- Some boats will follow the men's lead pack and some boats will follow the women's lead pack.
- Watch America's, Canada's and Mexico's best 10K open water swimmers up close.
- Cheer them on, learn their tactics, observe the physicality, check out the competition at the floating feeding stations and around the turn buoys.
- See how the race referee gives warnings, yellow flags and (possibly) red cards (that indicate an immediate disqualification).
- Take pictures from close-up angles on the water and videos of the always exciting finish.
2010 USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championships Go to USA Swimming to register for the 2010 USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championships on Sunday, June 6th. The start time for the men will be at 11:00 am and 11:10 am for women. Click here for more information. National 5K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat Click here to reserve a seat on the National 5K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat. - Boats board by 10:30 am from a dock near the start/finish.
- Some boats will follow the men's lead pack and some boats will follow the women's lead pack.
- Watch America's and Canada's best 5K open water swimmers up close.
- Cheer them on, learn their tactics, observe the physicality, check out the competition at the floating feeding stations and around the turn buoys.
- See how the race referee gives warnings, yellow flags and (possibly) red cards (that indicate an immediate disqualification).
- Take pictures from close-up angles on the water and videos of the always exciting finish.
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Solo 2K Open Water Pursuit - No Pre-race Clinics - $35.00 Solo 2K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics - $60.00 Trio Team 2K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 3 swimmers - $125.00 Quad Team 2K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 4 swimmers - $160.00 Solo 4K Open Water Pursuit - No Pre-race Clinics - $35.00 Solo 4K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics - $60.00 Trio Team 4K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 3 swimmers - $125.00 Quad Team 4K Open Water Pursuit - includes 5 Pre-race Clinics for all 4 swimmers - $160.00 5 Pre-race Clinics for solo swimmer - $30.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Adult - $175.00 Seat on Spectator Boat - USA Swimming National 10K Open Water Swimming Championships - $20.00 Seat on Spectator Boat - USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championships - $20.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Adult - $175.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Junior High School Students and Younger - $35.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - High School Students - $45.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - College Undergraduates and Post-Graduates - $55.00 Global Open Water Swimming Conference - Dinner and Awards Ceremony Only - $30.00 2K Open Water Pursuit Go to Active.com to register for the 2K Open Water Pursuit on Sunday, June 6th, starting approximately at 12:30 pm. Registration is open here. The 2K Open Water Pursuit will start immediately after the finish of the USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championship race is over. - Swim 2K by yourself as a Solo Swimmer or create a 3-person Trio Team or a 4-person Quad
- Squad. Solo Swimmers will start together in a traditional open water swimming start.
- Trio Teams and Quad Squads will be set off in 15-second staggered starts.
- Start list is randomly selected so fast teams will have to navigate around slower teams and slower teams have an opportunity to draft off of the faster teams.
- Trio Team and Quad Squad swimmers must start, swim and finish together.
- The final time for the Trio Teams and Quad Squads is when all swimmers cross the onshore finish line together - it is not the cumulative time of the individual swimmers.
4K Open Water Pursuit Go to Active.com to register for the 4K Open Water Pursuit on Sunday, June 6th, starting approximately at 2:00 pm after the completion of the 2K Open Water Pursuit. Registration is open here. - Swim 4K by yourself as a Solo Swimmer or create a 3-person Trio Team or a 4-person Quad Squad.
- Solo Swimmers will start together in a traditional open water swimming start.
- Trio Teams and Quad Squads will be set off in 15-second staggered starts.
- Start list is randomly selected so fast teams will have to navigate around slower teams and slower teams have an opportunity to draft off of the faster teams. T
- rio Team and Quad Squad swimmers must start, swim and finish together.
- The final time for the Trio Teams and Quad Squads is when all swimmers cross the onshore finish line together - it is not the cumulative time of the individual swimmers.
Solo Swimmers, Trio Teams and Quad Squads can swim both the 2K and 4K Open Water Pursuits, either with their same teammates or other teammates. Drafting, Positioning, Navigating and Pacing Clinics Go to Active.com to register for the Five Pre-race Drafting, Positioning, Navigating and Pacing Clinics at the following dates and locations: - on May 22nd and May 29th at Tower 26 on the south side of Santa Monica Beach
- on May 23rd and May 30th on Corona del Mar Beach
- on June 5th in Marine Stadium in Long Beach
Click here for more information. The Clinics in Santa Monica Beach will be led by Tower 26's Gerry Rodrigues with the assistance of Steven Munatones. The Clinics in Corona del Mar Beach on Sunday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 30th will be led by Rocketfish's Hank Wise with the assistance of Steven Munatones. The Clinics in Marine Stadium in Long Beach will be conducted by Gerry Rodrigues, Hank Wise and 7-time world marathon swimming champion Shelley Taylor-Smith. Global Open Water Swimming Conference Go here to register for the unprecedented Global Open Water Swimming Conference on Saturday, June 5th. It will be the most exciting gathering of open water swimming specialists, experts, gurus and enthusiasts ever. Adults and students receive access to all sessions, panel discussions, awards ceremonies, photo and autograph opportunities, Italian dinner, special open water gifts from Tri-Swim and StingMate, and a unique Open Water Swimming Almanac. Adults are $175.00. Junior high school students and younger are $35.00. High school students are $45.00. College undergraduate and post-graduate students are $55.00. USA Triathlon Continuing Education Unit Credits Go here to learn more about the USA Triathlon Continuing Education Unit credits available for USAT certified coaches who attend the Global Open Water Swimming Conference. USA Swimming National 5K and 10K Open Water Swimming Championships Go to USA Swimming to register for the 2010 USA Swimming National 10K Open Water Swimming Championships on Friday, June 4th. The start time for the men will at 11:00 am and 11:10 am for women. Click here for more information. USA Swimming National 10K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat Click here to reserve a seat on the National 10K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat. - Boats board by 10:30 am from a dock near the start/finish.
- Some boats will follow the men's lead pack and some boats will follow the women's lead pack.
- Watch America's, Canada's and Mexico's best 10K open water swimmers up close.
- Cheer them on, learn their tactics, observe the physicality, check out the competition at the floating feeding stations and around the turn buoys.
- See how the race referee gives warnings, yellow flags and (possibly) red cards (that indicate an immediate disqualification).
- Take pictures from close-up angles on the water and videos of the always exciting finish.
2010 USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championships Go to USA Swimming to register for the 2010 USA Swimming National 5K Open Water Swimming Championships on Sunday, June 6th. The start time for the men will be at 11:00 am and 11:10 am for women. Click here for more information. National 5K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat Click here to reserve a seat on the National 5K Open Water Swimming Championship Spectator Boat. - Boats board by 10:30 am from a dock near the start/finish.
- Some boats will follow the men's lead pack and some boats will follow the women's lead pack.
- Watch America's and Canada's best 5K open water swimmers up close.
- Cheer them on, learn their tactics, observe the physicality, check out the competition at the floating feeding stations and around the turn buoys.
- See how the race referee gives warnings, yellow flags and (possibly) red cards (that indicate an immediate disqualification).
- Take pictures from close-up angles on the water and videos of the always exciting finish.
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Physicality in the Open Water |
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Crowded conditions at the women's 5K World Open Water Swimming Championships in Seville, Spain. Photo by Javier Blazquez. |
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