ISO Newbie friendly open water swims

The Hudson River races (like the Cove-to-Cove) tend to be deceptive because you are swimming with the current and that makes the race shorter, time-wise. So the half-mile might actually take the time it normally takes you to swim 1/4 or 1/3 mile - it will be fun, but quick. Suggestions: 1) The Bridge-to-Bridge race (Atlantic City, NJ) in early July is excellent. They have 5k and a 1.3 mile events. The 5k is an out-and-back and the 1.3 is a straight swim. This is in the back bay, so no fighting the surf, etc. 2) Swim For Life - Chestertown, MD - They have 1,2,3,4,5 mile races. Very pretty setting & great post-race feed. Entry fee is steep ($100), but it's for a good cause. 3) Lehigh River Swim - Allentown, PA - a 1 and 2 mile swim in the Lehigh River. With the current, so they are easier than you'd expect. Lots of age group kids who kick your butt royally. 4) The 1 mile YATES inlet swim (Atlantic City, NJ) in August is a fun race because you are riding a roaring incoming tide - probably the fastest mile you'll ever swim. 5) If you are feeling brave, try the 1.5 mile Pageant Swim (Atlantic City) in early September. This has it all - surf, current, jellyfish, but is still do-able. As a bonus, at one point you are about 1/4 mile off-shore, but it looks like you are miles out. To get more info, go to www.dvmasters.org and download the winter Lane Lines newsletter. This has Delia Perez's schedule of open water races in our area. -LBJ

"Fun but quick"--actually that sounds good, since my usual swim pace is anything but quick! ... altho I'd be willing to go w/ a longer race that's "fun but less quick" if there's a reasonable chance i won't be hit by a tanker or something. ;) (The site also mentions "flotsam and jetsam"--how ugly does that get?) p.s. Thanks for all the info. I checked out the dvmasters site and downloaded the newsletter. Interesting stuff in there, not only the calendar!

Leonard and I met at the September Splash in Wildwood Crest last year. That was a fun race. www.lmsports.com has some races. Hi Leonard! Swimmy :)

If you dont like jellyfish, boat traffic, floatsome and jetsome (trash, like light poles etc) in the water, dont do any of the NYC swims. LOL Although they are all well ran, and water quaility is up, still some exciting times can be had. Good Swimming

Originally posted by Hoosier If you dont like jellyfish, boat traffic, floatsome and jetsome (trash, like light poles etc) in the water, dont do any of the NYC swims. LOL Although they are all well ran, and water quaility is up, still some exciting times can be had. Good Swimming I have experienced the (ha!) companionship of jellyfish, seaweed, and (not horrible) litter in water, but I shudder at hungry flotsam and jetsam. Are you allowed to use light posts as rafts? Boats: well, if I'm not being pulled into their propellars or otherwise mutilated by them.... You aren't, are you, talking about 900 foot tankers or some such? :eek: And how carefully are the races patrolled by volunteers? The NJ races, such as the September Splash mentioned by Swimmy, have GREAT volunteer support! I did it four years ago--wasn't in any masters' group at the time, just an injured runner wanting some sort of competitive challenge (now I'm a healthy runner as well as swimmer... makes things a lot more fun). Made various newbie mistakes but had a great time (as in fun, not speed!) Unfortunately, the Sept. Splash is the day before a big half marathon I run every Sept. (altho the darn race is getting so crowded lately, the Sept. Splash is looking better...).

My daughter has competed in two of the NYC swims, each was very well ran, with a lot of support boats and kayaks both for support and protection from other boats. Just there were a few things in the water. :) During the Marathon she had more than one encounter with Jelly Fish, but that was in the East River. During the Little Red Lighthouse (8 miles down current) in the Hudson no encounters with them at all...nor during Marathon in Hudson River.

I've decided I'm going to try 2 open water events this summer. They are not USMS sanctioned, but I have heard the water is clear, a bit cold, but free of all of the stuff you mention. First one is August 6th in Harbor Springs, MI (Northwest part of Michigan - lower peninsula): hammerheadswimclub.weezyhost.com/ Second one is August 19th in Alpena (Northeast part of Michigan - lower peninsula): www.michiganmasters.com/.../Alpena.swim.pdf You should come to Michigan for one or both events!

The Hermosa to Manhattan swim application requires that you do a 500 meter qualifying swim on 3 specific dates in July - no exceptions. That really ups the cost for out of state swimmers. Is the surf there that strong that they don't except other ocean swims as qualifying?

Come to Southern California. Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach is a very good swim: about 1.8 miles; and there are many, many other locations. In two seasons, i have never encountered jelly fish or flotsam( my number may be up). Groups meet at life guard towers every weekend. If your networked, you can swim any day. There's a girls only group made up of intense tri A'ers and beginners; many beginners here. There could be a fee if you want an escourt or lesson. I can send the leader's email (I'd check with her 1st). suares

Originally posted by suares but forget the race: it's all brass knuckes and fists. just come to Cali and swim the various beaches. Start a swimming log and add an entry for each swim like - people do when they bird watch. Good point - I start at the back of the pack and just swim to finish and enjoy the day. The races are just a good way of getting it on the calendar. I like the swim log idea.