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 guess its just us talking. SO for me a MOP type the awards are not all that important. I think if you want real pros (or pro ams) you need to have a national championship. For the MOP and BOP interesting prizes and something for everyone are more important. I think something of local interest (photo, painting, food etc) is more interesting than money and allows the local buisnesses to participate and hopefully showcase their buisnesses.
I like additional awards-last person out, largest obstacle, newest, oldest and you can get more of these if you work with local buisnesses. Quite a few people who will be challeneged would come for a finisher's medal or award.
So if I answer all your questions do I get a free entry (and will you make the swim a different month than august when I am booked)?
On the wetsuit question if you want the broadest possible field allow wetsuits in an unranked catagory (non regulation) that does not get times or prizes but require a "naked" swim test of some sort for non-reg (could be something signed by coach or lifeguard or even honor system). You don't need a wetsuit catagory but some people (triathletes mostly) use them as a sort of secuirty blanket and won't venture into open water without them. THis is also why its a good idea to be sure they can swim without them, that their skills are really up to the task.
I guess its just us talking. SO for me a MOP type the awards are not all that important. I think if you want real pros (or pro ams) you need to have a national championship. For the MOP and BOP interesting prizes and something for everyone are more important. I think something of local interest (photo, painting, food etc) is more interesting than money and allows the local buisnesses to participate and hopefully showcase their buisnesses.
I like additional awards-last person out, largest obstacle, newest, oldest and you can get more of these if you work with local buisnesses. Quite a few people who will be challeneged would come for a finisher's medal or award.
So if I answer all your questions do I get a free entry (and will you make the swim a different month than august when I am booked)?
On the wetsuit question if you want the broadest possible field allow wetsuits in an unranked catagory (non regulation) that does not get times or prizes but require a "naked" swim test of some sort for non-reg (could be something signed by coach or lifeguard or even honor system). You don't need a wetsuit catagory but some people (triathletes mostly) use them as a sort of secuirty blanket and won't venture into open water without them. THis is also why its a good idea to be sure they can swim without them, that their skills are really up to the task.
