I've been wondering about what are the major US Open Water Swims. By major, I mean the largest or the ones that are the single swim that people aim for in their area, oldest, most established, etc. I have a partial list which I think is probably partially correct, but I was wondering what I was missing and what mistakes I had made. And I do know that looking at US swims is provincial and that there are swims in other parts of the world that are larger and older than many of ours.
In California, I would put the La Jolla Roughwater, the Hermosa to Manhattan Pier to Pier, the Santa Cruz Roughwater swims, the DAM Lake Berryessa Swims, the RCP Tiburon Mile and any of the Alcatraz swims as being swims that attract 400 or more competitors and are major swims by any definition.
In Oregon, I think the Elk Lake swims put on by COMA are the largest, most successful swims. In Washington, I think it is the Fat Salmon. In Florida, I think that there is a Tampa Bay 5 K swim in the spring that is the largest. In the midwest, I think the Big Shoulders swim is the premeire event, and in the colonial zone, I think the Chesapeake Bridge Swim is the largest and most prominent. In Hawaii, the Waikiki Roughwater Swim is the main event, I think, in terms of size, age, prestige, etc.
But I was wondering what other people thought. My ulterior motive is partially curiousity and partially a desire to know what the different major swims are so that maybe I can try to swim some of them.
Thanks and I will be curious to see what responses I get, if any.
Former Member
Three more from the Northeast:
Lake Champlain Swim (8 miles) - Not really a race. More of a "tourist swim."
Swim For Life (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 miles) Chestertown, MD - More of a fundraiser than a race.
Little Red Lighthouse swim, NYC - Not for the faint of heart.
-LBJ
Check out the photo of the mountain backdrop at Elk Lake -- on page 40 of the July/August SWIM magazine. Another picture from Elk Lake appears on Page 34 of the May/June issue of SWIM. More pictures from the Cascade Lakes swim series appear on the COMA web site at www.comaswim.org
;) Bill
I swam the Alcatraz Sharkfest for the first but not last time this past weekend and had the most fun ever for an open water event. The ferry boat ride out to Alcatraz island is a great way to get started. Jumping off the ferry into the ocean is quite an experience. Once you are in the water you can see the Golden Gate bridge from a unique vantage point: from the waterline while breathing on the right side. We stayed at the hotel that was 5 min walk from the start/finish area which was great. The event is held walking distance to Fishermans Warf and all the fun stuff in that area. Obviously SF is a great vacation spot, and to be able to one of my favorite activities, (open water swims), its a perfect event. I deffinate must go on my list.
Great thread by the way. I started a list for next year through posted sugestions. Thanks
If you are interested in the Alcatraz swim, PH Mullen(the literary pride of the Dartmouth Swim Program) wrote an article about this year's Envirosports swim. for Swiminfo.com(www.swiminfo.com/.../5890.asp )--which is up to his usual standards. Worth reading.
The 7th Annual 24 Mile Tampa Bay Marathon Swim is set for Saturday, April 17, 2004. Entry information is available at www.distancematters.com
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Ron Collins
collins@tampabay.rr.com
ph: 727.531.7999
How many people normally participate in the earlier-mentioned open water swims? I'm guessing the starts have to be incredible experiences compared to other smaller open water events that I've done. Of all the different sports competitions I've done, nothing compares to the incredible energy of an OWS or tri start.
Also, how do wet suits fit into these events? Again, my OWS experience has just been 1-2 mile races Michigan where I've felt no need for a wet suit, although I've seen a few use them.
What would be considered the open water swim to do in the continental United States, if a person could select only one?
Also, are there any 1-3 mile races in Florida that might be recommended?
Thanks in advance.
Great Thread :)
Just incase a few may think of some Canadian Open WaterSwims:
July 18th, 10km Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
August 7th Skaha Lake 11.8 Ultra Swim in Penticton BC, Canada.
August 13th, 26km Lake Cowichan Marathon Swim.
Lake Cowichan is crystal clear, and warm where you will swim past some prime and pristine, untouched forested shoreline. In the 26km you will begin at the head of the lake, and swim down the lake. The total distance of the lake is 34km, however 26km appeals to more. Great food, and an embroidered vest is one of the souveniers you will recieve with your entry fee.
Skaha Lake is also a warm lake. In this swim you swim from Penticton to Okanagan falls at the other end of the lake. Fantastic food and the Ultra party is excellent.
Wetsuits are not needed in either event, but they are permitted. There are specific catagories for wetsuits and non wetsuits.
Add another one-
www.rcctherapy.com/.../Splash.htm
Labor Day. Sounds like it should be a great swim. I think it is all downstream. Anyone here ever done this swim?
Originally posted by Perkunas
What would be considered the open water swim to do in the continental United States, if a person could select only one?
Talk about a tough question... here are some candidates in the order that I would rank them (your mileage may vary):
1) Catalina Island to mainland (CA) - One of the world classic swims.
2) Manhattan Island Marathon (NY) - The Circle Line without a motor. 28.5 miles. Serious bragging rights if you finish this.
3) Atlantic City Marathon Swim (NJ) - Another FINA world cup event. Hard to get into unless you are a studmuffin. 21+ miles. Serious bragging rights if you finish this.
In the more human range:
1) Boston Light Swim (MA) - Arguably the oldest OW race in the U.S. 8 - 10 miles (depends on who you believe).
2) Tiburon Mile (CA) - Lots of major talent shows up for this one.
3) Bay Bridge Swim (MD) - 4.4 miles across the Chesapeake with 600 of your closest friends.
4) 10k for the USA (NJ) - A FINA world cup event this year that has a separate master's division.
Of course, there are also things like swims across the various Great Lakes, swimming down the Mississippi, etc.
-LBJ
