Swimming in the Hudson river

RE: Swimming in the Hudson river

pendaluft — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:56:25 GMT

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!

RE: Swimming in the Hudson river

Former Member — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:54:34 GMT

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:

RE: Swimming in the Hudson river

Former Member — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:39:32 GMT

Thanks! You doing it this year?

RE: Swimming in the Hudson river

pendaluft — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:32:31 GMT

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!