Hello All
New member here. I am 39, from Mass and a life long competitive swimmer. Open water only for the last 18 years or so.
I need some advice about starting a new race.
I have a swim around an island in a protective estuary that I think is really unique. It is two miles around a small island in Essex, MA. On google maps you will see it called Cross Island. The island is 100 yards from mainland. Most of the swim would be in 4'-10' of water. The water ranges in temp from low 60's to mid 70's I would guess. The tide is 10' so the sun warms the exposed bottom between tides. The warm water mixes with the colder water as the tide comes in. Boats are not an issue as most of the swim is less than 50 yards from shore. There are several spots one could stop and stand up if they needed to. It needs to be done at or near high tide both for water depth and to control the current. It can rip at certain tides but at high you can actually get a little help all the way around believe it or not.
I have swum this multiple times and have enjoyed it more each time. I want to build a race and attract some serious competitors. I would like the race to benefit the ALS society as a friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease.
What kind of things do you look for in an ocean race? Wetsuit, non-wetsuit. Prize money, Tshirts, awards, food? Logistically I am friends with people that run an open water event for 25 years in Gloucester. I have some ideas on how to do things logistically but I need input on how to make the race professional and attractive to a variety of swimming abilities.
This course has the potential to be something special so please help me with some ideas.
Thanks
Ken Lawler
Essex, MA
Parents
Former Member
I expect that there will be people (and food) waiting for the last swimmer. If there is a cutoff then I expect to wait until after that before awards, a lot of swims do a poor job with this and its dissappointing. Next it depends on the location and timing but its nice to be fed something and that there is enough food for everyone, this can be cookies or bagels or a whole meal and warm drinks but everyone is hungry after and its easier to wait for the last swimmers and cheer them on if there's something to eat. T-shirts are very good to have and good advertising but not a must. Awards also nice to have but not a must, depth doesn't matter although I'd go with either just a few (1-3 deep) or something for everyone.
I expect that there will be people (and food) waiting for the last swimmer. If there is a cutoff then I expect to wait until after that before awards, a lot of swims do a poor job with this and its dissappointing. Next it depends on the location and timing but its nice to be fed something and that there is enough food for everyone, this can be cookies or bagels or a whole meal and warm drinks but everyone is hungry after and its easier to wait for the last swimmers and cheer them on if there's something to eat. T-shirts are very good to have and good advertising but not a must. Awards also nice to have but not a must, depth doesn't matter although I'd go with either just a few (1-3 deep) or something for everyone.
