I'm entered in the Governors Island swim this coming August 1. I was wondering if anyone out there has swum this event before and can offer tips and/or pointers. I'm most concerned about how the heck to get to Governors Island and, of course, the conditions.
Thanks, Chaos. Unfortunately, the link you sent indicates (if I'm reading it correctly) that ferry service begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday; the race starts at 8 a.m.
Oh, well, I'll send an e-mail to NYC Swim and post whatever response I receive.
Susan -
That's what it looks like from the photos. I could have sworn there was a blurb about the Island being open during the event for spectators. Maybe I'm just crazy... (don't answer that!).
I'm entered in the Governors Island swim this coming August 1. I was wondering if anyone out there has swum this event before and can offer tips and/or pointers. I'm most concerned about how the heck to get to Governors Island and, of course, the conditions.
govislandblog.com/.../
last year i recall the directions being to stay between the island and the buoys.... but don't get too close to the island. i hope this year the buoys mark the inside of the course, but all in all an easy course to follow. water temp should be in the mid 70's.
i did this race twice.
the first time we boarded a water taxi at pier 17 and the other time (last year) we took the ferry.
either way, the two boarding spots are pretty close to each other
Here's the response to my e-mail from Hannah at NYC Swim. I must say, I was impressed with the timeliness of Hannah's reply.
"We are still working out final details, so some of the information is subject to change. Most likely, we will be going to the island on a ferry at 6:30 a.m. from either South Street Seaport or Whitehall Terminal a bit south. We expect to be able to accommodate guests on the ferry in addition to swimmers."
I remember reading on the NYCSWIM web site a little while (1 or 2 months?) ago that there were to be 2 events on August 1: Governors Island Swim starting 8 am or so, and then the NYC Pro Swim (10K) starting around 1 pm. But I just found the second one has disappeared :confused:. Instead, it's listed for september next year. Was this year's NY Pro canceled? I'm pretty sure I saw two events scheduled on that same day. :confused:
P.S. Here is the cached NYC Pro Swim web page showing August 1, 1:00 PM, so I wasn't mistaken.
:rolleyes:
I was on Governors Island yesterday for the City of Water Day festival (and to scout out the water before the swim). It was beautiful (although hot) and exciting to think about swimming there next week. Now I am definitely fired up (and a little nervous)!
The NYCSwim website now has this update:
Important Instructions
The special ferry to Governors Island departs from the Battery Maritime Building at the corner of South and Whitehall Streets at approximately 6:45 AM the morning of the race. Swimmer check-in will take place at the ferry terminal from 5:45 to 6:30 AM. Please allow ample time to arrive at the ferry terminal — if you miss this ferry, you will miss the race.
That's the Governors Island Ferry -- its to the left of the Staten Island Ferry (for pedestrian navigation). Its a few minutes walk from the Bowling Green subway (maybe less when there aren't 10 million people on the sidewalk.)
