Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim - June 19, 2011

Registrations for the Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim (June 19, 2011) opens December 1, 2010: www.tricalifornia.com/.../ALChal2010-main.htm Anyone attending and interested in grouping together for a tour to Napa & San Fran around the event? I would love to add this swim to my itinerary for next summer. If I'm lucky enough to be able to register (not sure if there is a limit to the number of swimmers), I would be game to do a group tour.

I think I registered about 4 weeks prior. I do believe registration closed but I think it wasn't until a week or two out. The earlier you register the later your shuttle to the ferry, the warmer you are.

Registrations for the Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim (June 19, 2011) opens December 1, 2010: www.tricalifornia.com/.../ALChal2010-main.htm I haven't read the details, but are wetsuits allowed on the Aquathlon? I assume they are NOT allowed in the swim.

I did the aquathon in 09 and wetsuits are DEFINITELY allowed. The water was warmer than usual and was still just 62. I am a major cold water wimp so I wore my wet suit and I was fine. It's a great event. I am a total pool swimmer and sprinter and I had a blast. It was my first open water swim and I would totally do it again. Good luck and have fun!

Although I did not see it on their website, wetsuits are surely permitted. I have never seen an Alcatraz swim event that did not allow wetsuits. They use the Hornblower to haul people out to Alcatraz, and there are not enough swimmers in this country that would tackle the swim without one. Of course people on this forum are an exception, but keep in mind this is run by Tri-California. As for a wetsuit, I would recommend a rental unless you anticipate the need for one in the future. If you want to buy one I would look to Xterra Wetsuits. http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/ Keep an eye out for their specials (get on their mailing list). They currently have their entry level sleeveless on sale for $99.00 - ordinarily $200. Keep in mind with a wetsuit, fit is everything. Xterra has a good return policy, but make sure you read the instruction on how to put on a wetsuit. Swim wetsuits are fragile when compared to surfing and diving suits.

I did the aquathon in 09 and wetsuits are DEFINITELY allowed. The water was warmer than usual and was still just 62. 62? That's downright balmy.

This swim has crossed my mind from time to time, 2011 may be the year I do it !

Lots of groups put on Alcatraz swims every summer.Yup. I was looking at the Aquathlon since my wife is a runner and I'm a swimmer; we're always short a cyclist to put together a tri-team, so the Aquathlon looks perfect for us.

I did this swim in 2009...Ken, thanks for the great note and advice. I probably won't get out there in 2011 or 2012 due to scheduling constraints already know about, but my wife and I now have the team aquathlon on our respective athletic bucket lists. I second the recommendation on the thermal cap as I found this B70 skull cap (www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp a great help in the low 60 degree water at La Jolla this year. As for training in Aquatic Park, if you ever get to the Bay Area, it's a must do any time of the year. I was fortunate to sneak in a couple of swims there a few years back when there on business. The folks at the Dolphin Club, despite a reputation for looking down upon us mortals wearing wetsuits, welcomed me warmly ... and I mean warmly with the sauna post swim!

Just FYI, this event is not at all your only opportunity. Lots of groups put on Alcatraz swims every summer.