Hi,
I will be staying on Ventura Beach, California for several days in October and I am wondering if there are open water swimming groups.
A wetsuit might be in order as the temps look like mid to low 60s. I will avoid predawn and dusk conditions.
Do you have any experience or recommendations?
Thank you.
Years ago (like 20) there was a group of us that body surfed on the south side of the harbor jetty at lunch time. There is an outdoor shower. When the surf was up, it was a good surf spot, but not for swimming. Otherwise it is fine. There was an unspoken rule of no wetsuits year round, but I always wore a neopreme cap. But in general, early September often had the warmest water temperatures of the year (68 degrees) and October was not much colder. It just depended on the year.
Otherwise Ventura has many great beaches for swimming. Anywhere south of California street has long sandy beaches. The state park south of California Street (name?) used to be the site of many open water swims and triathlons. I think there are outside showers there as well.
Former Member
I'm super jealous! That's my hometown where I grew up. I've spent a lot of time swimming and boogie boarding in the Ventura and Oxnard surf.
Here's a link for more detailed info.
www.parks.ca.gov/.../results.asp
You probably won't need a wetsuit. I never used one. yeah, it's a bit chilly but you get used to it and it's not bad if you keep movin;
Have fun!
Yes, there is a group that meets every Sunday about 0830 near the Ventura Pier. It's not an official activity of the local swim clubs or the local triathlon clubs, but most everyone belongs to one or the other.
October is near the end of the "season". We'll keep swimming in Ventura as long as there is still interest...when it dwindles, we'll probably slide up to Carpinteria Beach for a couple more weeks until we shut it down for the winter.
PM me for details and updates. Again, I'm not sure how long we'll be swimming in Ventura.
