Hi.. I've decided to swim in the swim across the Hudson river sept 12. I've never swam open water (or much pool) swimming. But I'm going to try. I just started training and have a couple questions
1) the swim is 3 miles. What is the longest distance I need to train to?
2) water temp should be about 70. When ocean swimming I've lost body temp quickly. I'm thinking about wearing a wetsuit or swim skin. Which would you suggest?
3) would anybody suggest ear or nose plugs?
4) anybody on this form doing this swim or interested in doing some Hudson river swimming before sept 12th?
I'm sure I have more questions but lets see how this goes...
I did that swim last year -- it was my first open water swim.
I was great I had fun and it was really well run. The water was warm last year and I think it will be warmer this year (its pretty warm now) so you might not need the wetsuit.
Have fun!
Former Member
Thanks! You doing it this year?
Former Member
I swam it in the NYC triathlon.
It is all surreal.Like swimming the Potomac in D.C..being in the water and seeing all the distant kaos around you.
First thought is the taste of the water. NASTY
Then there are the Bull sharks...forget them ,the water is too far gone for them too.
If you are gonna swim three miles..is it with the current..if so it will be more like a mile and a half.
You should go out and get yourself in shape to swim for a couple hours at a time ..cause thats what you 'll prob be doin.
Its great, you'll love it.
Do the wet suit if its cold enough, if not you'll cook.
I would communicate with some more people like yourself that have done it.:cheerleader:
The Hudson River Swim For Life runs across the Hudson, from Nyack to Tarrytown, north of the Tappan Zee bridge.. The course usually follows an arc that attempts to take advantage of some gentle tidal assist -- usually you start out heading south slightly as well as east (east is across) then head northwards in the final part of the swim. There are all kinds of currents you swim through while you are doing this. Last year, the coast guard changed our route due to conditions (very wavy), and they stopped us in the middle to let some big cargo ship through. That was awesome, actually treading water while that giant thing passed.
The swim is fun and really beautiful. The water is slightly salty, not as much as it is further south, but pretty murky. The view of the bridge as you swim is just fantastic.
I wont be doing the swim this year, can't fit it in. But I loved it and hope to do it again in the future. Its a very supportive environment for a first OW swim. They say its not a race but they do give you a time when you're done.
I think if you watch the water temp in the few weeks before, you'll get an idea if you need a wetsuit. It was VERY warm last year.
Good luck!
