Any 4th of July event near San Fran?

I think I'm going to find myself around the San Fran area for the 4th of July -- is there any chance there's an OW race or even fun/community swim in that area (+/- about 75 miles from downtown) to celebrate the holiday? I'll have a car and can drive. I didn't see anything listed for South End Rowing or Dolphin Club, nor on the Pacific Masters site. I'll go swim solo in Aquatic Park if there's nothing organized, but prefer a good 'event' to pass the day with. Patrick, you could probably arrange a private or semi private Alcatraz or other bay swim with Leslie Thomas (Swimart) or Gary Emich. I've done swims with both of them and would give them my highest recommendation.

I didn't see anything listed for South End Rowing or Dolphin Club, nor on the Pacific Masters site. I'll go swim solo in Aquatic Park if there's nothing organized, but prefer a good 'event' to pass the day with. pwb - South End and Dolphin Club swims are not open to the public. You are welcome to pay the day-use fee and use the facilities, however. I would second chaos' recommendation of hiring Gary Emich or SwimArt for a chartered swim.

Patrick, you could probably arrange a private or semi private Alcatraz or other bay swim with Leslie Thomas (Swimart) or Gary Emich. I've done swims with both of them and would give them my highest recommendation.Dave, Thanks for the suggestion. That's a great idea!

pwb - South End and Dolphin Club swims are not open to the public. You are welcome to pay the day-use fee and use the facilities, however. I would second chaos' recommendation of hiring Gary Emich or SwimArt for a chartered swim. There is also nothing wrong with just doing a "solo" swim in the Aquatic Park. It will be hardly solo cuz there will be all kinds of swimmers, seals, tourists watching and asking questions (you will become part of the Fisherman's Wharf entertainment), scenery...Then after you are done and thawed, you will have earned the right to eat your way through the city. One of my favorite ways to spend a day.

There is also nothing wrong with just doing a "solo" swim in the Aquatic Park. It will be hardly solo cuz there will be all kinds of swimmers, seals, tourists watching and asking questions (you will become part of the Fisherman's Wharf entertainment), scenery...Then after you are done and thawed, you will have earned the right to eat your way through the city. One of my favorite ways to spend a day. Absolutely ... and that's my 'base' plan right now as I did this back in 2006 ... South End and Dolphin Club .... You are welcome to pay the day-use fee and use the facilities, however. ... but I always enjoy an 'event' more than swimming solo for open water.

If you're in the Bay area prior to July 4, USA Productions is hosting a couple events that might interest you. The Catfish Crawl South Bay is taking place on June 22 in Morgan Hill, which is about 75 miles south of San Francisco. I did this swim a couple of years ago and it was great! Here's the link: www.usaproductions.org/.../Catfish-Open-Water-Swim Another option closer to July 4th is the California International Triathlon (www.usaproductions.org/.../California-International-Triathlon), which has an Aquabike event besides the tri. This event takes place on June 30th in Pleasanton, which is a fairly short distance from San Francisco.

The Firecracker 8K looks like a long-running tradition. I think my wife and daughter could be talked into a five-day trip over July 4... officially posted this 8K to my swim bucket list today.

If you're in the Bay area prior to July 4, USA Productions is hosting a couple events that might interest you. The Catfish Crawl South Bay is taking place on June 22 in Morgan Hill, which is about 75 miles south of San Francisco. I did this swim a couple of years ago and it was great! Here's the link: www.usaproductions.org/.../Catfish-Open-Water-Swim Another option closer to July 4th is the California International Triathlon (www.usaproductions.org/.../California-International-Triathlon), which has an Aquabike event besides the tri. This event takes place on June 30th in Pleasanton, which is a fairly short distance from San Francisco.These both look cool, but, alas, I won't arrive in the Bay Area until July 1st. I'll keep the Catfish Crawl definitely in mind for the future, though.

there might be a 'firecracker' swim in sacramento... a fair commute from san Francisco but if I recall correctly this river swim is an unusual event hosted by a local masters club... Firecracker swim lake natoma!! July 4, 2012 · 10:00 AM Lake Natoma - Nimbus Flats State Recreation Area Thanks. I'll reach out to the folks who organized it last year and see if it's happening this year. That would be just the kind of thing I'd love to do.

there might be a 'firecracker' swim in sacramento... a fair commute from san Francisco but if I recall correctly this river swim is an unusual event hosted by a local masters club... Firecracker swim lake natoma!! July 4, 2012 · 10:00 AM Lake Natoma - Nimbus Flats State Recreation Area My Slippery Swimming Friends If you are not swimming, come out a paddle for us. It's time again to brave Lake Natoma ! All of it! Ready to swim 4 1/2 miles up stream in chilly water enjoying the warm and freezing spots along the way? Braving the chill as cyclists, runners and walkers scurry by on the trail just a few yards away. The joy of making the turn at the beach, sighting the bridges, realizing you are just a 1/2 mile from the finish. Let's get to it! Actually; the water temperature is already "warm" (68 Degs) and the current is weak. Perhaps I can contact the folks at the dam and have them release a steady flow of icy cold water for us on July 4th.? Meet on the concrete pad at Lake Natoma July 4th. Be ready to swim at 10 AM. Things to remember: Rides can be arranged from the finish to the start. Let me know. Bring your own support. Sunscreen for your back side. Let me know if you are in. I am trying to arrange refreshments and eats at the finish. Joe