Winter Alcatraz - Water World Swim

WINTER
ALCATRAZ

MARCH 16, 2024

47 SWIMMERS · 1.8-2.1 MI EXTRA COLD RACE FROM ALCATRAZ TO AQUATIC PARK

This is a very challenging and highly unique swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park limited to 35 swimmers looking for a winter challenge! Water temperatures can be as low as 48°F but usually vary between 49-56°F, so check out our tips on getting acclimatized to cold water and preferably attend some winter clinics and swims. This is not the time to try out cold water swimming for the first time!

Only swimmers with extensive open water experience or presently training should register. Feel free to contact us with your swimming resume so we can assess if this is a good challenge for you. Swimmers can opt to wear wetsuits, or swim skin - we have a special award for the first skin swimmer in!

OUR 18th ANNUAL EVENT IS MARCH 16, 2024

Join 47 swimmers in this frigid race.
This swim is not for the faint of heart - expect water 49-50°!

COURSE RECORDS

MALE

Nick Caine · 21:13 · 2009 (Aquatic Park 1.25 miles)

FEMALE

Cara Silvas · 21:53 · 2009 (Aquatic Park 1.25 miles)

THE COLDEST BAY WATER OF THE YEAR

Great practice for cold water endurance events.
Test your mettle whether skin or wetsuit (but prepare properly!)

WHY DON'T SWIMS START DIRECTLY AT ALCATRAZ OR WITH A JUMP OFF THE ROCK?

As Alcatraz is partly a bird sanctuary, boats, kayaks, and the people on them are prohibited from getting within 100 meters of Alcatraz, especially from February through September which is breeding season. This means our Alcatraz crossings do not start directly at Alcatraz. Water World Swim respects the environment, aiming to keep the sport of open water swimming a live collaboration between the athletes and the oceans.

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NOTE ON SWIMMERS UNDER 18

Safety is our priority in challenging waters! Participants must be at least 12 years old to participate by signing up online. No children under 7 are accepted. Children under 12 must be evaluated by a Water World Swim coach in a private session for a non-refundable $95 fee and must be registered at time of evaluation. The fee also covers an accompanying coach in the water during the swim. Registration will be refunded if the minor is deemed not suitable to participate.

If the under 12 minor is coming from out of town and is unable to be assessed by Water World Swim, we require a certified coach to evaluate the minor and contact us via email or written documentation certifying their ability and recommending their participation. Out of town minors under 12 must pay an additional $95 to have an accompanying coach in the water.

Contact us about having your young swimmer join us!