Open Water Swims

These are all the swims for the 2019 open water season for Pacific Masters Swimming.

Last Update 05/13/19

This page will be updated if a venue changes or a race is cancelled due to the water level or quality.

This year the magic number is 5. Your top 5 finishes count toward the 2019 open water points competition. Only open water swims longer than 500 meters will be considered for points.  Remember, if swims are cancelled, that number could be adjusted.

The results of each open water race will be posted on the open water results page.

The Open Water Points competition has two divisions for the two different types of suits. Here is the link to the rule: swim suit rules. Please review them before leaving for the open water swim. Please also note that no tape (spider tapes, bandages, duct tape, etc…) is allowed in either category.

REMEMBER:

• Age Group determination: You will swim in the age group determined by your age as of December 31, 2019.
• Swim Suits: Category 1 Long suits are allowed for both men and women in Open Water but can not contain clasps or zippers.  The swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulder nor below the ankles. USMS Rule 303.7.2

Only Open Water Points scored with Category One suits will count toward Swimmer of the Year.  For more details on the rules governing open water points see here.

See the Individual Open Water Point Standings and Team Open Water Points Standings for 2019

Saturday, May 18
Spring Lake 
One Mile 
500 M (RCM)

A one mile loop. Water temp is normally in the mid 60’s. There are some weeds. This swim is always very well run; they will have you out of there by 11:00 am, even if you stay for the awards. Parking is easy. Nice green lawn to sit on. Post event snacks provided.

Please note that only the 1 mile swim is eligible for open water points.

USMS Sanction 389-W003.

[ information ]  [ register ] [ 500m and 1 mile results ]

Saturday, June 1
Lake Berryessa
1 & 2 mile loops in a freshwater lake

Saturday, June 8
5K and 10K
Sunday, June 9
1.2K and 2.5K 

Lake Del Valle 

The 2019 Del Valle Open Festival, nestled in the Livermore Valley Wine country, begins on Saturday with a 5K/10K. The swims run at the same time. You have to pre-register for the 10K.  On Sunday, the 1.2K and the 2.5K will be held. There is clear cutoff times in the event info for all races.  If you’re new to open water swimming, try the 1.2K swim or the Just for Fun Division. Plenty of parking.  A great place to bring the kids:  they have a roped off swimming area.  Post event snacks provided. Plan post-race activities at one of 70 wineries within 10 miles of the lake.

USMS Sanction 389-W001.

Santa Cruz Open Water Weekend

Saturday, August 3: 45th Annual Roughwater 1 mile Swim
Sunday, August 4:  The Cruz Cruise 2 mile Swim

The Saturday 1 mile ocean swim goes around the Santa Cruz pier. The Sunday 2 mile ocean swim goes around the same pier, loops around the other side and comes back. The water is usually 58-61 degrees! Both are fun and very popular swims even if you’re numb. The Saturday swim is one of the bigger events and is started in two waves: under 40 years old and 40 years old and over. The Sunday swim is smaller and very low key; it is NOT for novice swimmers. 

For both swims bring lots of quarters for the street parking meters ($1.00/hour). Or walk a long way. You may want to bring a chair if you don’t like sitting on a sandy beach. On Saturday there is no post event food, but there are plenty of restaurants right there. On Sunday there will be plenty of warm beverages and snacks at the finish.

The Saturday swim starts at 11am and often the fog has lifted by then. The Sunday swim starts at 8:30am and is usually foggy. (Since the water is +/- 60 degrees it's important to stay warm: wear a thermal cap and ear plugs and don’t stop to look around while you are out there. Keep moving and have fun! 

USMS Sanction TBD.

Registration opens May 30, Noon PDT.

One of the longest swims of the season. The start is at the east end of the lake at 8:30am and the finish is at the west end. If you drive along the shore of the lake you will marvel at how far you will swim. The swim is limited to 400 swimmers this year, and is known to quickly fill its entry limit. Enter early if you wish to swim the Donner Lake Open Water Swim. Registration opens May 30, 2019  at 12pm PDT.

Free shuttle buses run between the start and the finish. Swimmers are given a plastic bag at the start to hold their sweats. It will be transported to the finish for you. 

If you are interested in purchasing any Donner Lake Open Water Swim merchandise please view the merchandise page.

USMS 389-W004

 [information]  [Register]  [merchandise]

Whiskeytown Lake is just outside Redding so plan to drive up the day before. This is a beautiful lake. There’s a nice shady picnic area and beach so bring the family. This event is in the early fall and the weather can be either chilly or hot. The lake is a bit cooler than Berryessa (think mid to high 60’s). If you plan to do both the 1- and 2-mile events, be prepared to feel a little cold at the start of the 2-mile. Post event snacks. 

USMS Sanction TBD.

This is the final event of the OW season; last chance to pile-up those points!  Only SF Bay swim on the calendar, in protected cove at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline.   ½, 1 and 2-mile distances run concurrently in waves – take your pick.  Expected water temp 62 to 64 degrees.  Start and finish on a sandy beach with sweeping views of The City, Golden Gate, Angel Island, Mt. Tam and more!  Great spectator opportunities.  Lively race announcer!  Hot shower on the beach!  Free parking.  Post-race picnic at the park, or check out shops and restaurants in Point Richmond historic district, 5-minute walk from the beach.  Finish the 2017 OW season with a flourish!

USMS Sanction TBD

[ information ]    [ register ]