Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:06:13 GMT

Like Blackbeards post. Here is some further fuel for the fire here: swam Miami event in April, there about 400 people there; swam Hurricane Man in St. Pete Beach this past weekend with about 300+ people there. Both events had multiple starts, multiple distances, etc. Everyone was very relaxed, no screaming & yelling or pages of rules. BIG celebration parties after the events! Further, both events registrations closed about a week prior to the events, actually at Swim Miami you could sign up the morning of the swim. Both events had venue challenges that were addressed & handled without a bunch of drama. Geez, at Hur. Man there was even refreshingly chilly pilsners at the buffet breakfast (included in reg fee) after the swim. None of that at Ches. Bay, heck I think when I swam that venue I had to buy one of the organizers beer at Hemingways! Maybe the organizers of Ches. Bay can learn something from these other events, or maybe not, who knows. It just seems that there is this elitist undertone for this swim that is mystifying as to where it originated. Finally, don't think that the event is the "premier" one on the East coast, mean it's OK but, more hubris, can you say "Swim Around Manhattan" or "Tampa Bay Swim"? & of course there are many more which fall into the premier category up & down the Eastern seaboard.

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

pwolf66 — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:50:48 GMT

Folks, While comparing venues is great but until you can compare the Bay Swim with one that also crosses a major active shipping lane, then your comparisons are a waste of time. Period DOT Paul

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:26:41 GMT

"My opinion is that soon, a boatload of people will raise the money that "guarantees" you a spot, and suddenly lots of rich OW distance-swimming snobs will be the only participants with no room for a lottery. The casual swimmer has already been weeded out by the cost... if this buying your spot continues the way I expect, the event will become a sorry excuse of its former self in no time and I'll be joining you in your original post's tone 100%." In the past 3 years, 125 people have raised the minumum to get an Early Bird Entry. In a field of 700 that isn't hurting the lottery odds too much. If you consider this buying a spot, I'm not here to convince you otherwise. BTW I'm far from a 'rich OW distance swimming snob'. I'm a cheap SOB pool rat that finds pools I can swim for free whenever I can. Tree

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:51:19 GMT

RKW - I've done the Donner Lake swim twice. And, as a Virginian, I can say the swim is total bliss. It is in an absolutely beautiful setting. The water is crystal clear and deep. The competition is terrific. The after race bbq is terrific. And, from what I've experienced, everyone there is extremely friendly and gracious. I highly highly highly recommend it. At 2.7 miles long, you might want to get in a couple of longer training swims in preparation. The water can be a bit cold - prepare yourself for that. And, dealing with the altitude has not been a problem for me.

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Muppet — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:12:10 GMT

I think it draws both but maybe more triathletes, just for the challenge. So what if you don't get in? Just to be able to SAY you were able to complete it is an accomplishment. Most triathletes are NOT swimmers and a 4.4 mile race is 3.4 miles too long to be considered a training run - especially on a popular day for a multi-sport race. You are right - it is a challenge, and is quite an accomplishment, but any tri's there are swimmers who, like myself, at some point decided to tri (pun intended) the other two sports. As for Shamu's comments, I can empathize with you. A lot of triathlons open registration 9 months in advance of the race. That is the norm for Triathlons. Because of an injury, I waited to register for a race (to take place in two weeks) until a week after registration opened LAST SEPTEMBER. It had already closed a day earlier at 2000+ participants. I REALLY wanted to do it, but found something elsewhere, and I'll get to visit family too. It would be nice to do an additional wave, or another race. But I think other posters have shown that is not likely to happen. Now true, most swim events open registration a few short months ahead. But the bay, as has been mentioned, is very popular, and there are indeed a lot of restrictions that keep the race open to a lucky few. Yes, the swim has become a victim of its popularity. And the lottery isn't optimum, but lets face it, it is probably the best option. If you absolutely must swim across the bay this spring, try the 7.5 mile Potomac Swim. Better yet, jump right in and start your own crossing. Perhaps the fleet of fully loaded Ocean Freighters will stop for you. My opinion is that soon, a boatload of people will raise the money that "guarantees" you a spot, and suddenly lots of rich OW distance-swimming snobs will be the only participants with no room for a lottery. The casual swimmer has already been weeded out by the cost... if this buying your spot continues the way I expect, the event will become a sorry excuse of its former self in no time and I'll be joining you in your original post's tone 100%.

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

flivver — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:23:32 GMT

I am looking at doing Donner Lake this August 9th for the first time. I swim daily about 2000 yards and have swum a 2 miler (Balboa - Newport, CA Pier to Pier) ocean, 1 mile Captain Craig, Ocean City, MD and 1 mile Lake Erie, Ohio...How did you like the High Sierras? RKW :fish2:

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

flivver — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:22:50 GMT

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:44:33 GMT

There are typically 2 aid boats anchored at the 1.5 and 3.0 mile markers. If you stay in the middle of the course, you'll find them. Tree

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Lori — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:16:15 GMT

I'm wondering, do these aid boats have gel? Would you recommend having more than just water?

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

MAC swimmer — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:25:50 GMT

Hey everybody. Will there be ways to hydrate during this race? I have heard that you can hang on a baot and have a drink. Do people bring gel packs too for nourishment?

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

MikeGarr — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:03:19 GMT

My buddy Paul and I have been talking about doing this swim for years. It has to be the premier open water swim in the US! I don't know of any other swim only event that draws so many entrants. He is a triathlete; I'm a swimmer. I think it draws both but maybe more triathletes, just for the challenge. So what if you don't get in? Just to be able to SAY you were able to complete it is an accomplishment. Kudos to the organizers, no matter whether I get in or not.

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:15:17 GMT

Everybody chill for a bit. Lots of sniping from all sides. Guess what? Everyone is pretty close to correct on this one. The course, conditions, race management, USCG, popularity, and numerous other factors make this a much more difficult event to run than it sounds on the surface. Yes, it is frustrating if you don't get in. Some things to remember: (I have no allegiance to Chuck Nabbit either.) 1, First and foremost the swim originated and remains a charity event. 2, Ditto whats been said about homeland security and stopping commercial shipping. This is not a triathlon course around a triangle bouy course in protected water. I'm betting those supertankers could care less about a swim race. 3, Its a point to point race which means the race director is managing 2 sites. Summer traffic accross the Bay Bridge just to make it more interesting. 4, This race is lucky to even exist after the Fletcher Hanks debacle of the early 90's. He had to promise to never organize so much as a bingo contest in the state of Maryland or go to jail for failing to account for all competitors. I'm sure Nabbit is reminded of this annually since taking over. 5, I've been doing this race on and off for 21 years. Some years you just don't get in. Low and behold there is a way to guarantee yourself an Early Bird entry for next year. Donate the minimum amount clearly explained on the entry for this years race and you'll be in for 2009. As I stated, its a charity event. Swim fast or go home. Now if someone could just take that bullhorn away from Lyn on race morning!! Tree

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:14:00 GMT

Shamu is the preferred salutation. :wave::wave: Like I said it's just an open water swim what's the big deal?:confused: :rofl:Some people, I guess, just have to take something easy & simple & really make it complicated, like having a "lottery" 7-8 months before the start of the swim.:doh:

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:27:52 GMT

As for the thread's original subject matter.... I don't think putting in major yardage for a 10k or less event is as important either. If you're use to 1.5 hour workouts.. then a 10 is generally only the same over again if not less. For 10k+ events I think it seems to help me though. Seems to get my arm/shoulder muscles more use to being used for such long periods of time. But the upcoming Swim around Key West will be my first event longer than a 10k... so what do I know?

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:19:49 GMT

Why so prickly about the venue, dude? :duel:Guess the event is a victim of it's own success, the uber organization, Federal agencies involvement, etc. is all way over the top. It's a bloody open water swim not rocket science, geez! Do know one thing: after that swim knew way more about bridge construction & engineering than I ever really wanted to.

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:09:27 GMT

ehh.. I have to second Wahoo's sentiment. Whether intended or not.. it is an exclusionary event. It's not like they couldn't have 2 heats or throw the event on two different days. Several triathlons have way more than 400 participants and people seldom die. ;/ Whats the worse that could happen? They end up with more money?

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:11:45 GMT

Thanks LBJ and Swimmy for your advice; I think I will forego the rash guard on your say-so and recommend to my fellow team members coming with me, to swim in our normal speedos. There are 5 of us signed up from my swim group, 3 of us for the first time. Heard what a great event it is !

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:34:58 GMT

It is a privilege for us to be able to swim the 4.4 miles across the Bay – not a right. FYI: It takes a Federal Act to close the Bay Channel for us to swim across it. ALL boat traffic is stopped. It is the ONLY day of the year this happens. In the past, Homeland Security attended the event… not to provide security, rather to observe how this event is actually run. It is one of the rare moments when federal, state and local organizations all work together and get something positive done. As far as the numbers go… The US Coast Guard limits the number of people in the water to 600. (I believe that number has been increased to 650.) And, the organizers are savvy enough to know that they can have up to 700+ entered due to the predictable % of no shows. It allows the max number of people to actually participate on race day. In the past, there was no cap. The Coast Guard found the safety of the swimmers was jeopardized because of it. At any moment, the swim can be cancelled if the Coast Guard says so – for any reason. So, organizers go out of their way to pay close attention to the rules levied so that this swim can happen for us. Regarding safety… Get to know the history of the event. In 1991 and 1992, only 20-25% of the starters made it across (I’m testing my memory regarding the exact numbers). Currents swept a majority of people off course. In fact, one poor soul was found 1 mile down stream before he was picked up. The Bay Swim is no little swim around a lake. It is one of the most challenging open water races out there. This is what makes it so special and so popular. Since when have open water races supposed to be all inclusive??

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:27:17 GMT

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Thu, 01 May 2008 06:16:53 GMT

Shamu/Wahoo/Ralph - I'm not prickly about the venue; I'm prickly about your attitude. You called the organizers fascists and alleged they had inflated egos - apparently because you missed this year's entry deadline.

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:23:06 GMT

Lighten up, Wahoo. The Bay Swim went to a lottery entry system last year. This year the lottery closed on Nov 14. This system is a little more equitable than the crazed on-line rush of the previous entry system. And, I can safely say, Chuck Nabit and Linda & Mark Toretsky are not fascists nor do they have inflated egos. They are three of the hardest working people in the sport. The Bay Swim is the premier open water event on the east coast. Due to its extreme popularity everyone must prepare in advance and play by the rules. Maybe you'll make it in 2009.

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:02:51 GMT

Last Fall, think it was Oct, went to BaySwim.com & found out the swim registration had ALREADY closed out. Were they kidding? 8+ months before the event goes off? Apparently not! Did the swim in '03 & there was the New Years rush to enter, which was bizarre & silly but doable. Now the organizers in their fascist zenith have made it even more difficult & exclusionary to participate in this point to point by pushing the date further out. I say baloney to these guys! Open water events are supposed to be inclusive not exclusive. Did contact them to make sure & they wrote back that the 1 mile was still open & I was free to enter that. Gee, y'all are to kind, think I'll pass on your swim & your inflated egos though. Let's see the registration for the swim for 2009 should be up on Lin-Mark.com any minute now, better hurry & do the signup!!!

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:42:38 GMT

The 1 mile at the Bay swim is in pretty shallow water also and the temp is (if memory serves) warmer than for the longer race. Don't bother with the wetsuit. -LBJ

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Former Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:52:29 GMT

RE: Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

Swimmy — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:29:39 GMT

Was going to wear it for warmth.....the one I see says it protects from chill. A friend of mine swam last year, wore a wet suit but said she was too warm in it and suggested a rash guard. If water is over 65 I probably will just swim in bathing suit only, as I find that cold water ceases to be 'cold' after like 2 minutes of swimming. I have done the race several times. I prefer to swim without my wetsuit unless the water is under 60 degrees. You will be fine in just a suit. See you there! :cheerleader: