Tucson, AZ, (December 4, 2008) -- Arizona will host a series of five Open Water swimming competitions in 2009 on May 2 at Saguaro Lake, June 6 at Lake Pleasant, September 19 at Saguaro Lake, October 17 at Lake Pleasant and November 15 at Tempe Town Lake, announced June Hussey, Communications and Open Water Chairperson for Arizona Masters. All events will have 2k and 4k distances available.
These events will be run by DCB Extreme Adventures with open water veteran Mark Gill serving as Race Director. All events will be officially sanctioned and open to both registered Age Group and Masters swimmers.
“Open water enthusiasts are very excited that DCB Extreme Adventures has put together this series for us close to home in 2009,” Hussey said. “Most open water competitions require out-of-state travel during the height of the summer, when lakes and oceans around the U.S. are their warmest. Thanks to our beautiful weather here in Arizona and the event organizers, Arizona can extend the normal open water season by offering swimmers these five shoulder-season events.
Other possible 2009 open water events, now in the planning stages by other event organizers, include one in Flagstaff and one south of the border in Rocky Point.
According to Hussey, the 2009 events should provide a boost to Arizona’s tourism economy by attracting swim travelers from throughout the U.S. For more info, contact david@dcbadventures.com.
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So what the rules with regards to wet suit usage in these events?
These are non-championship events so you can swim with a wetsuit. However, for the three lakes in this series, you probably won't need one. At Lake Pleasant last year, the water temp was 74F during the first week of June. The water was very clear and clean too.
The only one you *might* need a wetsuit is Saguaro Lake in May. It may be a little nippy (low 70's) but a lot will depend upon the weather. If we have a warm spring the water temps will be nice from the start.
So what the rules with regards to wet suit usage in these events?
These are non-championship events so you can swim with a wetsuit. However, for the three lakes in this series, you probably won't need one. At Lake Pleasant last year, the water temp was 74F during the first week of June. The water was very clear and clean too.
The only one you *might* need a wetsuit is Saguaro Lake in May. It may be a little nippy (low 70's) but a lot will depend upon the weather. If we have a warm spring the water temps will be nice from the start.
