August 12th, the Furthest North open water swim in North America! Located in Sitka, Alaska.
Men's and women's age group and Relay divisions will be awarded trophies and ribbons.
Solo or relay 10k, 5k and 1k open water swims in Sitka Sound, with a water temperature range in the mid 50’s. The course will start at the Mount Edgecumbe High School ramp on Japonski Island. The course will then take the swimmers north out of Sitka Channel and westward along the Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historic Site and loop back to the Mt. Edgecumbe ramp to finish. A turnaround point in course will be available for those swimming the 5k and 1K distances.
Sanction pending with USMS.
Visit www.changeyourlatitude.org for more information.
After all this discussion I still don't have a firm grasp of the likely water temp in Sitka on August 12, 2012...? Race description says "mid-50s" but website also mentions "Nothing like a dip in 52˚ water." I realize it's not entirely predictable, but even some basic stats would be interesting and valuable. Something along the lines of "Average of 55, range of 52-58." What was the water temp in 2010 and 2011?
Claudia just informed me that when she researched her Kruzof to Sitka swim, expected water temp would be between 48 and 55 degrees F. She also said that last years event which was held several miles away out Halibut Point Rd., the temp was 52-53. I believe that was true for 2010 event also. Now, having said that, I did most of my preparation swims for both events along Japonski Is. following the course we have laid out for 2012. I did not have a thermometer with me, but the water on every occasion of my practice swims both years was noticably less cold than the course out Halibut point. I'm sure I can rustle up some goverment data on water temps in and around Japonski--we have more than our share of goverment agencies in Alaska so somebody must be measuring water temp for the public record. Will get back to you on that, and thanks for asking. Meanwhile, here is more data to chew on prior to registering with CYL. en.wikipedia.org/.../Sitka,_Alaska
After all this discussion I still don't have a firm grasp of the likely water temp in Sitka on August 12, 2012...? Race description says "mid-50s" but website also mentions "Nothing like a dip in 52˚ water." I realize it's not entirely predictable, but even some basic stats would be interesting and valuable. Something along the lines of "Average of 55, range of 52-58." What was the water temp in 2010 and 2011?
Claudia just informed me that when she researched her Kruzof to Sitka swim, expected water temp would be between 48 and 55 degrees F. She also said that last years event which was held several miles away out Halibut Point Rd., the temp was 52-53. I believe that was true for 2010 event also. Now, having said that, I did most of my preparation swims for both events along Japonski Is. following the course we have laid out for 2012. I did not have a thermometer with me, but the water on every occasion of my practice swims both years was noticably less cold than the course out Halibut point. I'm sure I can rustle up some goverment data on water temps in and around Japonski--we have more than our share of goverment agencies in Alaska so somebody must be measuring water temp for the public record. Will get back to you on that, and thanks for asking. Meanwhile, here is more data to chew on prior to registering with CYL. en.wikipedia.org/.../Sitka,_Alaska
