Alcatraz 2014

Jens: I have done the Alcatraz swim five times. This is a must do swim and it is just over one mile (about 2 kilometers as the crow flies), easy for someone with your experience. There are three organizations that I know of that offer this swim: 1. Water World Swim; 2. Swim Art 3. Sharkfest (Alcatraz) The Sharkfest is sold out for this year and the Swim Art schedule will be posted on line this April 1st. As an alternative, consider Water World or Swim Art to do a Golden Gate Bridge swim. Very spectacular and just as iconic. The San Francisco Bay has some very serious currents. Most swims are timed at slack tides. But don't be fooled. There is moving water everywhere in the Bay. So, be sure to follow directions and compensate accordingly. If you swim into Aquatic Park (typical) the opening is only 60 yards wide and is not visible from the jump zone at Alcatraz Island. I usually sight off of the tall building up the hill from Aquatic Park. My last Alcatraz swim I thought I could swim a straighter and faster line than the swimmers were told. Usually, a gradual arcing course is necessary. As a result, I missed the narrow opening to Aquatic Park and had to have a police boat reposition me. Lesson learned. This swim is truly a must. Be sure to stop mid-channel and just take in the view. From this vantage you can see Alcatraz Island, the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Your time will mean nothing if you don't stop to enjoy this. As an alternative, the Golden Gate Bridge offers an incredible swim as well. Swimming under this Bridge makes you really seem small. Currents are definitely a factor so be prepared. Your boat crews know how to time this swim during slack tides but boat traffic can cause critical delays that will cause swimmers to lose that critical slack tide window. Tidal flows reaches about 10 KM per hour and there is no way to negotiate a crossing if the water starts to move. Give the Bridge a try. You will not be disappointed. Summer water temperatures are about 60 degrees F (16 degrees C). You have to judge if this is cold or not. Most people do these swims with wet suits although there are always the purists who don't. Have fun. Enjoy San Francisco. Enjoy your swim. Chuck Bay conditions can be windy so be prepared.

Jens: I have done the Alcatraz swim five times. This is a must do swim and it is just over one mile (about 2 kilometers as the crow flies), easy for someone with your experience. There are three organizations that I know of that offer this swim: 1. Water World Swim; 2. Swim Art 3. Sharkfest (Alcatraz) The Sharkfest is sold out for this year and the Swim Art schedule will be posted on line this April 1st. As an alternative, consider Water World or Swim Art to do a Golden Gate Bridge swim. Very spectacular and just as iconic. The San Francisco Bay has some very serious currents. Most swims are timed at slack tides. But don't be fooled. There is moving water everywhere in the Bay. So, be sure to follow directions and compensate accordingly. If you swim into Aquatic Park (typical) the opening is only 60 yards wide and is not visible from the jump zone at Alcatraz Island. I usually sight off of the tall building up the hill from Aquatic Park. My last Alcatraz swim I thought I could swim a straighter and faster line than the swimmers were told. Usually, a gradual arcing course is necessary. As a result, I missed the narrow opening to Aquatic Park and had to have a police boat reposition me. Lesson learned. This swim is truly a must. Be sure to stop mid-channel and just take in the view. From this vantage you can see Alcatraz Island, the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Your time will mean nothing if you don't stop to enjoy this. As an alternative, the Golden Gate Bridge offers an incredible swim as well. Swimming under this Bridge makes you really seem small. Currents are definitely a factor so be prepared. Your boat crews know how to time this swim during slack tides but boat traffic can cause critical delays that will cause swimmers to lose that critical slack tide window. Tidal flows reaches about 10 KM per hour and there is no way to negotiate a crossing if the water starts to move. Give the Bridge a try. You will not be disappointed. Summer water temperatures are about 60 degrees F (16 degrees C). You have to judge if this is cold or not. Most people do these swims with wet suits although there are always the purists who don't. Have fun. Enjoy San Francisco. Enjoy your swim. Chuck Bay conditions can be windy so be prepared.