Click here for participant list

Note that times are subject to change.

Get Ready for Cold Water

Current bay water temperatures range from 55 to 58 degrees. It is highly recommended that you get some acclimatization to these water temperature. One way is go to attend some or at least one Water World Swim Clinic which are held at Aquatic Park in San Francisco.
Click here for more info.

If you’re out of town and can’t make it to test the waters, we highly recommend that you try to swim in open water lakes or ocean increasing the time you spend in the water with a combination of longer endurance pool workouts. We strongly recommend that you prepare well and consciously for this kind of event.

Also try to get used to colder temperatures either by conditioning with cold waters or by making sure you gain resistance to colder temperatures such as taking cold showers. Again, the purpose is for the body to get used to the shock of cold water and not let it be a last minute shock.

Driving There

For the location of the race click here.
For traffic, go to www.511.org.

Parking

There is free parking at the base of Van Ness. Just park and walk west to the bleachers. Go to:
Click here for a map.

If there is no more parking on Van Ness, alternative parking is found at Fort Mason. From Van Ness, turn right onto Bay Street and head west. Turn right at Franklin into Fort Mason. Walk east to Aquatic Park.
Click here for a map.

DO NOT PARK east of Aquatic Park as there are parking meters and there will be traffic from the kayakers. Thanks for your understanding.

Check-In

Check-in is highly encouraged on Friday, July 25 from 4 to 6PM at Sports Basement in the Presidio.
Click here for a map.

Saturday day check-in will be starting at 5:30AM and ending at 7:00 AM at Aquatic Park.

At check-in at Sports Basement , you will get your swim cap, t-shirt, and goody bag. Your timing chip will go on your ankle and will need to be turned in once you cross the finish line. You will be responsible for your lost chip. Do not forget to wear your chip as there will be no replacement chips!

You will get your body marked. If you are wearing a wetsuit, your hand will your race number written on it. If you are not wearing wetsuit, your upper arm will be marked. So if you check in Friday, don’t wash off your markings.

Your swim cap will be marked with a letter to indicate your group’s starting time.

If you are non-wetsuit (or skin) swimmer, you will be given a bag with your number for things to take on the ferry.

If you ordered guest tickets and extra shirts, you will receive your tickets and receive your shirts.

There will be a help desk. But the best thing to do is to contact me before the swim if there any problems.

Timing Chip - Pick-Up on Saturday ONLY

Due to the arrangements with the timing company, timing chips can only be picked up on Saturday. There will be a separate booth from where you pick up your cap, t-shirt, & goody bay. You will be given a card to obtain your chip to take to the booth.

Minor (Under 18 Swimmers) Policy

If you are under 18, your parents must be will you at check-in and must present a copy of the following 3 items prior or at check-in:

The insurance company and agencies that provide the permits require these documents. If these documents are provided, the minor can not swim and will not be given a refund. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Awards

All swim finishers will receive a medal. The top 3 male and female overall swimmers in wetsuit and nonwetsuit division will receive awards. There is the open and elite category. The top team will receive an award.

Briefings

On Friday at Sports Basement, briefings about the swim will be held at 5:30 PM.

On Saturday, the briefing will be just before the march to the ferry which will be at 7:10AM.

Saturday

You have parked, checked in, and been body marked. You can then place your items in the bleachers. You should bring warm clothes to wear after your swim and a towel. Do not bring valuables! The race organizers are not responsible for any loss or damage of your valuables.

Briefing is at 7:15AM.

March to ferry will be at 7:30 PM.

What to Bring or Not Bring to the Ferry

WETSUIT WEARERS: Wetsuit swimmers should go “swim ready.” This means NO carrying extra items or bags (exception: an accompanying paid guest can bring your bag back). For the walk to the ferry, you should wear something on your feet, wear socks or other footwear that you have no trouble discarding.

SKIN (NONWETSUIT) SWIMMERS: Grab and label a plastic bag at check-in. Label your bag with your race number. Volunteers will bring these bags back to the finish. Be aware that your bags may not be back Aquatic Park when you finish. Therefore, have separate warm clothing at the finish.

Ferry – Boarding & Jumping Off

The ferries are expected to leave at 7:45 AM sharp. Be alert to which ferry you will board.

At 7:55, the ferry will arrive near Alcatraz. Final instructions will be given.

At 8:00, the swim will start. Listen when your group is called. A question has been why there are no timing mats at the ferry entrance. Unfortunately, the metal from ferry interferes with timing mat.

When jumping off the wear, look below and check that there are no swimmers below. Hurry as there are others behind you. Once in the water, swim quickly away from the boat! This is a safety issue as someone you land on you or you can drift towards the ferries’ propellers.

The Swim

At the briefing, you will be told what landmark to aim for. Remember to swim right away as you will generate body heat immediately.

Please listen to the kayakers as they may need to redirect you. If you are asked to go into the boat, you must comply as this is for your safety. Failure to follow staff instructions will result in a ban from future Alcatraz events with this organization and other organizations.

You may feel like you’re the only swimmer around. But there will be swimmers and volunteers nearby. If you need help, raise your arm in the air and wave.

Paddles and foot/hand booties/gloves (they fill with water & create a safety issue) are not allowed. Permission must be granted by the race organizers to use fins.

When you are in the middle of your swim, take a moment to look around and appreciate the unique viewpoint!

The Finish

Look for the balloons at Aquatic Park. Once you exit the water, cross the finish mat. You’re done! A volunteer will help you to remove your timing chip and another volunteer will give you a medal. Get your clothes on and then get some refreshments. Be sure to take enough per athlete as we want to ensure that all swimmers get their refreshments. Finally, smile and think of your achievement! YOU ARE MAKING HISTORY – THIS IS THE LAST EVENT ON THE OLD BLEACHERS AT AQUATIC PARK- THE PARK CLOSES ON THIS WEEKEND FOR TWO YEARS FOR HISTORICAL RENOVATION OF THE PARK..TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR FINISH AT AQUATIC PARK TO SHOW MANY GENERATIONS AHEAD.