I finally got back into swimming about 18 months ago after a 20 year hiatus. My regular workouts are in the pool but completed my first open water last September (Alcatraz). Most of my training was in the pool with a handful of OW workouts while visiting friends and family in other areas.
I live in Chester County, PA (close to Lancaster) and I’m looking for some OW training options/locations closer to home.
Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Former Member
I don't know much about areas near Chester County but we have plenty of options down Route 1 in Maryland. I usually get out to Gunpowder State Park (Hammerman Area) starting in late March or early April. This is a decent spot just before Gunpowder River meets Chesapeake Bay.
www.dnr.state.md.us/.../gunpowder.asp
I won't be out there much now as we get into open water event season but there are plenty of events within a couple hours drive. Many are closed out for now but here are some that are still open. These are much better than training swims.
June 25th Chester Swim for Life Chestertown, MD
www.clubassistant.com/.../meet_information.cfm
An up and back river swim with choice of 1,2,3,4 or 5 miles. Fun crowd with nice luncheon.
July 10th Steelman Open Water Swim Quakertown, PA
www.lin-mark.com/RaceDetails.aspx
1.5 mile and 5k lake swim. Last year was 4 times around the loop for 5K. Well organized. Food and drink after.
August 7 Purple Swim Baltimore
www.purpleswimbaltimore.org/
1, 2 miles or both. I really like this event. Good group of people, food, drink and live music. It feels more like going to a party where you just happen to get in a swim.
August 7 Centennial Lake 1 mile, Ellicott City, MD
www.clubassistant.com/.../meet_information.cfm
New this year.
Good luck
Thanks for the info. Decided to give the Steelman 5K a shot. I will try to get down to the Gunpowder state park but I'm still open to any training recommendations in Lancaster/Chester County areas of PA.
If you don't mind a little bit of a drive you may be interested in this:
www.signmeup.com/.../76997
It is a clinic that Endurance Multisport is putting on at Pinchot State park. The open water portion is the main part of the clinic.
We are also looking to host a clinic at Blue Marsh later on in the summer time, I will be sure to keep you posted on that as well.
Mike Fecik
Coach | Lancaster-Harrisburg-York area club director
endurancemultisport
Web endurancemultisport.com
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Email mfecik@endurancemultisport.com
