Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim - June 19, 2011
Former Member
Registrations for the Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim (June 19, 2011) opens December 1, 2010: www.tricalifornia.com/.../ALChal2010-main.htm
1. How quickly does registration fill up?
2. 1st time participant for this event. Exp. swimming up to 3 miles in open water but never worn a wetsuit. Recommendation of where I can begin looking for appropriate swim gear, less than $200?
3. Anyone attending and interested in grouping together for a tour to Napa & San Fran around the event?
Your comments & feedback are appreciated! Thanks!
Kate aka FIh20SH (fish out of water)
Parents
Former Member
I've done 2 Alcatraz swims. I think the majority of folks wear a wetsuit, although can't recall if it was a large majority
Don't be fooled that it's not open ocean. The only difference between this and an ocean tri swim from the beach is no waves to get out through. The middle of the bay can be quite choppy (although earlier start means less wind) and also have some decent swells. I remember strokes where my arm never left the water, and ones where it never went into water.
As others have said, pay attention to the briefing. Depending on your speed, you'll be instructed to site off certain structures at different points in the swim. You'll start aiming pretty far left and then as you get closer move your target to the right. I've only swam to Aquatic Park, pretty small opening, Chrissy Field is a longer beach I believe, so a bigger target. Best to swim straight on, imho, but if you are going to err, err on the upstream side (when i did it, to the left of the beach, both times I've done it have been an outgoing tide). Once I erred too far right and had to swim upstream like a salmon to make the opening. Once I erred too far left and had to swim along shore. One way is easier than the other :)
Still debating the aquathon
I've done 2 Alcatraz swims. I think the majority of folks wear a wetsuit, although can't recall if it was a large majority
Don't be fooled that it's not open ocean. The only difference between this and an ocean tri swim from the beach is no waves to get out through. The middle of the bay can be quite choppy (although earlier start means less wind) and also have some decent swells. I remember strokes where my arm never left the water, and ones where it never went into water.
As others have said, pay attention to the briefing. Depending on your speed, you'll be instructed to site off certain structures at different points in the swim. You'll start aiming pretty far left and then as you get closer move your target to the right. I've only swam to Aquatic Park, pretty small opening, Chrissy Field is a longer beach I believe, so a bigger target. Best to swim straight on, imho, but if you are going to err, err on the upstream side (when i did it, to the left of the beach, both times I've done it have been an outgoing tide). Once I erred too far right and had to swim upstream like a salmon to make the opening. Once I erred too far left and had to swim along shore. One way is easier than the other :)
Still debating the aquathon
