Great Chesapeake Bay Swim 2008

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.

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.

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? Maybe it's a question of getting enough volunteers.

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??

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 !

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?

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.

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?

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:

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