Swim Around The Rock

Swim 3.6mi

Event details

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6:15am Sat 10th Aug 2019

San Francisco
By Water World Swim

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Join us for this round trip Alcatraz swim! This swim is a great challenge for fast swimmers that requires a strategic race plan to swim the 3.6 mile course with tides and fast currents around Alcatraz. This is also an excellent event to help prepare for longer open water endurance competitions. Some of the best open water swimmers at the national level compete in Swim Around The Rock.

This swim starts off the beach of St. Francis, and you'll swim along a fast and exciting current. But as you make your way clockwise around Alcatraz, that's where the real challenge begins - you'll have to navigate not only around the prison, but through the currents as you make your way to Aquatic Park. A challenge you won't forget for sure!

This event is for experienced open water swimmers only. This swim will not only require swimming strength and open water experience, but expert ability in navigating a winning course with complex currents. This is easily our most difficult bay race, even more so than Bridge to Bridge 10K. If you need advice, support, and coaching for this swim, Water World Swim can help.

How to enter the Swim Around The Rock

3.6 miles
Swim 3.6mi
6:15am Sat 10th Aug 2019
$405–$440
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Event Details

Kit List

What about goggles?
Many out there in the market, the most recommended are those made out of silicone, and CLEAR. They are flexible and easy to adapt to the shape of your face. Wash them with warm water the day before and mold them to your face, before race day or before swimming in open water. Anti fog drops can assist in visibility.

What type of wetsuit should I buy, and can I wear a short sleeve suit?
You can rent a wetsuit from Sports Basement and the rental price will go towards the purchase should you decide towards the purchase should you decide to invest in one. Get a wetsuit that fits you perfectly. At Sports Basement they have assigned personnel to help you make the best selection for your body type. It’s also good to get some Body Glide to prevent chafing around the neck.

Is a diving or surfing wetsuit okay for swimming?
No, they are designed for diving and surfing only. Wearing one for swimming can be tiring, as they are more stiff, and can also lead to stress and injury, especially on shoulders.

Are booties ok for swimming?
No, they usually fill up with water, weigh you down and do not keep your feet warm. You can wear the water socks inside your zoomers and they can hold in heat for short distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring with me to Aquatic Park?

Come ready with your wetsuit up to your waist, or fully set and warm clothing on top. Bring a towel and change of clothes, goggles, thick silicone or a hood, earplugs, warm cap and something warm to drink after the swim is nice. A coach will watch over your belongings while you swim. Please do not bring valuables to the practice. If this is your first time, bring signed waiver. This waiver is good for the whole season.

What is the water temperature?

At the top left of any page on the website, you can check current temperature ranges.November – March: Approx. between 49-55F (9.0C-13C)March – October: Approx. between 55-62F (13C-16.5C)In the last two years in a row, we have seen August-October water reach up to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. This may be becoming a part of the new temperature range.

Why do I need earplugs?

If the middle ear gets cold, it affects your equilibrium, so that when you leave the water after you swim you become dizzy. Earplugs help keep your head warm and protect you from bacteria in the water.

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Water World Swim

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Water World Swim has been offering open water swimming events and programs for over 15 years. They include weekly workouts and training, Alcatraz crossings and clinics, the New Waves program for young swimmers with open water swimming interest, and many others.