Alcatraz!

Yes, we wore wetsuits, but we probably would have been okay without them. The water was 62 degrees and we were warm with the wetsuits. There were 800 swimmers I think? It started at 9:00 am. We had a gorgeous clear warm day. We were lucky. The day before it was windy and cooler and the water was much rougher. We swam into Aquatic Park. The race was at slack tide so the currents were not bad. You can check out the race info at www.envirosports.com.

Swimmy and Diana, Congratulations on finishing the swim! Thanks for the update. I'd like to do Alcatraz some day, and have the some of the same questions as David. Oh, and one more - did you wear wetsuits, and did most swimmers have them?

I would like to do Alcatraz, too. But more for just for the experience of doing it, not necessarily in a racing environment. And I found an organization to do it through in San Franscisco. It's called Water Wold Swim and they have regularly scheduled crossings, along with tips, boat escorts and I think everything else you'd need. I'm planning on doing one next year (depends on schedules), but I'm really looking forward to it. Crossing Alcatraz is one of my life goals! :D JIM

Hey...!!! I did the World's version and went into H2O from the farther side of Alcatraz, briefly swam around the end, aimed for a battleship and once able to see the buoy (sp?), headed into that SF aquatic bay just below Ghirardelli Square... and it was SUPER..!! Questions: What was the water temperature? What time of the day did you jump into the water? How were the currents ? How many did the swim +/-? I'm interested in doing it again and so am eager to get "real time" info...!! Was it a clear day? Could you see the Golden Gate clearly or hazy? Oh, how "mucho dinero"? Congratulations...!!! David

Thanks for the report, I did it last year. Well run swim. Missed the sign up this year so I am doing the SERC Invitational next weekend

Congrats on your swim! I've heard that one can be pretty challenging! You did great! Sounds like a cool swim!

Hi Swimmy and DianeC, I also did the Alcatraz race on the 16th. The weather was great. It was a fun swim. I liked the party atmosphere at Aquatic Park. The weather was clear. I breathed to the right so I got a good view of the Golden Gate most of the way. David, I did the swim last year as well. The organizers did a good job of timing the tides for the race. There was a little current last year, but I followed the race instructions and I had no trouble. I didn't notice as much of a current this year. Entry fee is about $100. I believe that registration for next year just opened up. Jim, I think tht the South-End Rowing club also has an Organized Alcatraz swim every year. I haven't done it but I heard that it is also very well run

Well, I just have to say Congratulations on your Alcatraz swim:groovy:. It is a wonderful achievement. I lived in San Francisco for 20 years and did this swim 4 times. I loved it especially since I love cold water. Again, congratulations to you and your friend of a journey of training and succeeding!!!!:woot: Donna

I was only been swimming regularly for 4 years. I swim a couple of days a week at a fitness club, usually swimming a half mile each session. It takes me 45 minutes to swim a mile in a 25 yard pool. Three times I`ve swam around the Oceanside Pier ( 1 mile race) in California . The first time was 32 minutes in 70 degree water,,,the second year the water was 63 degrees and I wore no wetsuit,...48 minutes later I finished. The latest swim I did in 31 minutes in 68 degree water. I have an obsession to do the Alcatraz swim next June. Is it too much for my experience,...how should I train? Thanks Ron

Thanks for all the good wishes! I had an awesome time in SF!:woot: Ron, I think you should do it. It was the greatest high! Go for it! Swimmy :)