Great Salt Lake Open Water Swim

never done it but I assume at that degree of salinity your mucus membranes will be toast for a week afterward and you will likely not be able to smell or taste anything for a day...good luck:)

never done it but I assume at that degree of salinity your mucus membranes will be toast for a week afterward and you will likely not be able to smell or taste anything for a day...good luck:) That is what I was thinking. I have been in the lake before, more on a recreation level. It was the saltiest thing I have ever done.

I swim in the Great Salt Lake 2-3 times a week. I'd swim there everyday, but it does take a full day to allow your mouth to recover. But that also depends on how far you swim. I typically like to get in at least 3 miles per session. For a one mile swim it doesn't do much to your mouth. The GSL is my favorite lake to swim in at the moment. Don't listen to people who haven't swam in it. Or only swam a couple times in it, then gave up. You gotta take their negativity and sarcasm with a grain of salt. It really is a great place to swim. Don't believe me? Check out my swim log: gordsswimlog.blogspot.com/ Hi Gordon. I've read your blog many times in the past. And your one of many that has inspired me to start open water swimming. Not trying to brag, but I'm a strong, good swimmer and don't want to "waste" my talents. So after reading your blog and seeing how your swim the lake so often, I decided to get into the sport. I live in WJ area and close to the lake. Went down to the marina yesterday and fell in love. Not what I expected at all. I came home and signed up for the race. Can't wait. I'm a WI girl, so the cool water shouldn't be an issue. Used to it. Few questions. If I do training swims, can I do them right out of the marina? Which way do I go, straight out, along the shore? Don't want to bottom out. How about the boaters, is that an issue? Will either have my husband in the kayak or one of those devices I put around my waist and the orange float is behind me. Sorry can't think of the name at the moment. I need the open water expericne for Deer Creek, but some of the reservoirs around here can get pretty busy in the summer. Anyway, thanks for your reply and encouragement. I am pumped. Sue

I swim in the Great Salt Lake 2-3 times a week. I'd swim there everyday, but it does take a full day to allow your mouth to recover. But that also depends on how far you swim. I typically like to get in at least 3 miles per session. For a one mile swim it doesn't do much to your mouth. The GSL is my favorite lake to swim in at the moment. Don't listen to people who haven't swam in it. Or only swam a couple times in it, then gave up. You gotta take their negativity and sarcasm with a grain of salt. It really is a great place to swim. Don't believe me? Check out my swim log: gordsswimlog.blogspot.com/

Sue, Gordon talked me into swimming the 1-mile race last year and I'm glad I did. Yes, the lake is incredibly salty and unless you swim there regularly like Gords and a few others, it takes some getting used to. However, I've found that if you are sure to exhale out of your nose and not your mouth while underwater, it is much more enjoyable. Admittedly, my mouth was pretty thrashed for a day or two after the race, but it really was my own doing (stupid mouth-breather). And personally, I wouldn't recommend a wet suit. You float pretty easily out there anyway. Good luck this weekend. It really is a fun race!:banana:

Thanks Matthew. I'm looking forward to it. And yes, everyone I've talked to say no to a wetsuit. I'm sure it won't take me long to get the breathing down. I swam a little bit last summer in the lake and really enjoyed the feel. Are your swimming Sat?

Nice job you two! I'm glad we were able to salvage the race despite the high winds at noon. Hope to see you out there, or at other OW events.