Hi everybody,
For the last several years I have participated in the Beach to Beach Power Swim in St. John, USVI. In 2012 it will be Sunday, May 27. It is a great event for a great cause. It makes for a wonderful long Memorial Day weekend vacation with family and/or friends. There are several very appealing aspects to the event:
1. 3 distances to chose from....1 mile, 2.4 mile and 3.5 mile. So if you are new to open water swimming, the one mile is a great intro.
2. Assisted classes! Yes, for each distance there is also an assisted class which means the participant can wear fins and snorkel. This is great for friends or family members that aren't great swimmers but don't want to be left out. One mile with fins is easy.
3. Smooth water. Because the event is held on the lee side of St. John, the water in the bays is very calm. Almost as smooth as a pool. So, it is a great environment for someone's first open water swim.
4. Friendly atmosphere. Sure, there are some very competitive personalities. However, the overall atmosphere is very friendly.
5. Well organized.
6. Safe - lots of volunteers in kayaks, boats, etc. An ambulance at each beach. Police boats backing up the kayaks, etc.
7. Relatively economical. We always rent a villa for 4 nights or more. A group of masters from a club could easily rent a villa, have fun and save money.
8. St. John is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend 3 to 5 days with lots to do and gorgeous beaches and great restaurants.
More info is at the link below. I hope to do the 3.5 mile this year.
Would love to see more of my fellow Masters swimmers there.
Ted
www.friendsvinp.org/.../index.html
