2013's open water swims
This year the magic number is 6. Your top six finishes count toward the 2013 open water point competition. Remember, if swims are cancelled that number could be adjusted.
There have been changes made in the swim suit rules, please review them before leaving for the open water swim. The Open Water Points competition has two divisions for the two different type of suits. Starting in 2013, only Open Water Points scored with Category One suits will count toward Swimmer of the Year.
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.
[ meet sheet ]
[ register ]
[ results ]
Saturday, June 1 
Lake Berryessa
1 & 2 mile (DAM)
One of the biggest swims of the year. This is a very popular swim that brings in the crowds. You’ll find masters swimmers, age groupers and triathletes. Water temp is comfortable. But you never know what conditions will be like at the start of the swim. Plenty of parking and a shuttle runs frequently to haul you and your stuff from the parking lots. Bring a chair because the grass is full of foxtails and there are only a few picnic tables to sit at. You can pre-order a lunch…or bring your own food.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]
Saturday June 8
5K/10K
5 and 10 K
Sunday, June 9,
1.0 mile and 2.5K
Lake Del Valle
The 1 Mile is the USMS National Championship this year!
This year, the Lake Del Valle event will start on Saturday with a 5K/10K. The swims will run at the same time. You have to pre-register for the 10K and be able to meet the 3 ½ hour cut off time to swim the event. On Sunday, the 1 mile and the 2.5K will be held. If you’re new to open water swimming, try the 1 mile swim. It’s run first. For a good workout, do both. Plenty of parking. A good place to bring the kids: they have a roped off swimming area. Post event snacks provided
[ meet sheets: Saturday's 5k, 10K and Sunday's 1mi, 2.5k ]
[ register ]
[results]
Saturday, August 3
39th Annual Roughwater Swim
1 mile (CRUZ)
Ocean swim around the Santa Cruz pier. The water is usually 58-61 degrees! A fun and very popular swim even if you’re numb. It is one of the bigger events and is started in two waves: under 40 years old and 40 years old and over. 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. No post event food, but there are plenty of restaurants right there.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]
Sunday, August 4
Cruz Cruise
2 miles (CRUZ)
Do you like distance and cold water? Then, this is the swim for you. NOT a novice swim. This event is small and very low key It starts at 8:30 am and is usually foggy. The water should be around 60 degrees…plus or minus a few degrees. To stay warm: wear a thermal cap and ear plugs and don’t stop to look around while you are out there. Keep moving! Parking meters are not checked until 10AM so if you swim fast you can park for free. Warm beverages and snacks at the finish.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]
Saturday, August 17
Donner Lake
2.7 miles (SNM)
One of the longest swims of the season. The start is at the east end of the lake 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 350 swimmers. Enter early. BBQ chicken lunch included in your entry fee and there are post event snacks to stave off hunger before lunch. 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.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]
Sunday September 8
Whiskeytown Lake
1 & 2 mile (RAD)
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.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]
Saturday, September 21
MAM 2x1 Relay (MAM)
Lake Del Valle
The 2x1 relays are back! Bigger and better. You have an opportunity to be on two different relays, 1 mile each, and earn points for both. Event organizers will explain the whole thing. Venue is the popular Lake Del Valle. Water will be warm.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ] Location:
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Saturday, September 28 
Keller Cove Pt. Richmond, SF Bay
½ mile, 1 mile, & 2 miles
We are planning to hold the 2013 Keller Cove Swim for Kids’ Sake on Saturday, September 28th. This is the last 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 2013 OW season with a flourish!
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]