https://community.usms.org/swimming/f/open-water-training-and-technique/24504/old-school-open-water-swimmingTwo weeks ago, I loaded up my family in the station wagon and drove into the Maine countryside for a swimming race that was advertised as &quot;The Hobbs Pond Swim&quot;: No entry fees. No prizes. No T-shirts. Distance is about a half mile. Participants may raceen-USTelligent Community 12https://community.usms.org/thread/263116?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:42:05 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:1b6589b9-1159-4e68-921b-eefee443e792Former MemberTom, Max distance from shore was 25 yards. There may have been a support kayak, but I&#39;m not sure. Hopper www.swimvacation.com<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/263058?ContentTypeID=1Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:34:05 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:bdcc18f4-ccbc-4753-a771-db078122d370Former MemberWhat was the maximum distance from shore? Where there any support boats?<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/263009?ContentTypeID=1Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:37:23 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:2cfa5e26-9927-4c35-998b-2122bee39c25Former MemberThere are 2 swims in Vancouver Island (Canada) like this. Lots of fun. A 10km or 6 mile swim in July and a 26km or 16m marathon (also done as a relay) in August. Food and fun after at the organizers cabin. Even get coveted finisher&#39;s medals etc too. Think about it for next year. Some USMS swimmers have done these events. Kiwi<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/262966?ContentTypeID=1Sat, 25 Aug 2007 06:31:20 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:57bdb855-8f63-431b-8c16-eb2b2f955a10Former MemberWhat a fun race! Wish there were more swims like this one - if there were, maybe more people would try open water.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/262917?ContentTypeID=1Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:09:39 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:531d4130-da20-43bc-8683-0119841472c6Former MemberThis type of swim just goes to show people that simplicity works! No big hoopala, no big fanfare, but tremendous informal atmosphere. Talk about not getting race butterflies, this was probably that kind of race. Wish I could have participated. donna<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/262862?ContentTypeID=1Sun, 19 Aug 2007 09:17:05 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:c4725a06-cab5-4a7a-9563-c8f0c1654bceFormer MemberThat is beyond awesome (and lowering the carbon footprint too!)<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/262953?ContentTypeID=1Sun, 19 Aug 2007 08:25:21 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:847a1d05-9214-4c64-8a22-5d0721699d4eFindingMyInnerFishSounds way fun! And the distance is gentle enough to allow newcomers to give open water swimming a try! My first o.w. swim was a mile and I remember wishing I could find something shorter as an &quot;intro.&quot; These folks have the right idea!<div style="clear:both;"></div>