I am from Portland Oregon and want to do an Alcatraz swim event. Not knowing the events and their seem to be many I wanted any help I could get in choosing one. From what I saw on the web the shark fest seems to be a main event. I figure I am am going to come down from Portland it should be a big event and not a club outing. Any input on this would be very much appreciated.
Thanks.
Parents
Former Member
I did the Alcatraz Challenge swim only as a skin in 2009, finish was at Chrissy Field. It was a chip timed race, your race didn't start until you stood on the activation pad at one of two exits on the boat. You were given about 10-minute period to exit the boat, skins and suits swam together. I chose to exit at the end, after listening to some veterans of the race and it was much more mellow hanging out on the top deck of the ferry as many athletes were crowded near the exits in an effort to get off fast. The strategy worked as all those swimmers ahead of me worked like a string navigation buoys in front of me. I had an excellent race and beat many college swimmers younger then myself and in wet-suits who no doubt would have beaten me in the pool.
I did the Alcatraz Challenge swim only as a skin in 2009, finish was at Chrissy Field. It was a chip timed race, your race didn't start until you stood on the activation pad at one of two exits on the boat. You were given about 10-minute period to exit the boat, skins and suits swam together. I chose to exit at the end, after listening to some veterans of the race and it was much more mellow hanging out on the top deck of the ferry as many athletes were crowded near the exits in an effort to get off fast. The strategy worked as all those swimmers ahead of me worked like a string navigation buoys in front of me. I had an excellent race and beat many college swimmers younger then myself and in wet-suits who no doubt would have beaten me in the pool.
