Open Water Swimming has something for each swimmer. For the highly competitive swimmer, there is the contest of how fast the swimmer can navigate the course. For the recreational swimmer, it is the time to enjoy the fresh taste of the water, to enjoy the lake or ocean. For the new swimmer it there is a challenge of navigation or knowing where you are on the course and chosing the right course.

In open water swimming there are bouys to let you know where the course is. There are turn bouys to let you know where to turn. And there is the finish line. Sometimes there are cross winds or currents, so you plan your course.

These swims are part of the Open Water Points Competition will be kept up to date so you can check your standing. The Points competition is considered unofficial.

You must be a member of Pacific Masters to participate in these swims. You can register on line, then register for the swim

2010's open water swims


May 16 Parkside Aquatic Mile (SMMM)

The season kicks off with the Parkside Mile. A small swim, water can be chilly but in recent years it has been close to 70 degrees. It depends on the weather the week before. You can have a hot shower at the Joinville pool just down the street. It is free to all swimmers in the event. Get there early if you want to park close. Post event snacks provided.
[ meet sheet ] [ results ]

June 20 Millerton Lake 1-mile, USMS National 1-Championship (CSC)

This swim is on a Monday following USMS Nationals at Clovis. Held at Millerton Lake, 15 miles northeast of Fresno, all entries must be received by May 4.  There is no race day registration. The lake was created by construction of the Friant Dam across the San Joaquin River in 1944. For history buffs, the original Millerton County Courthouse, built in 1867 is at the swim site. A little more historical lore -- the lake now covers Camp Barbour, a military encampment from the 1850’s.
[ meet sheet ] [ results ]

May 22 Spring Lake 1 mile (RCM) Swimmer

A one mile loop. Water temp is normally in the mid 60’s, but last year, it was closer to 70 degrees. 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 ]

June 6 Lake Del Valle .75 & 1.5 miles (TVM)

This year, the Lake Del Valle swim is a warm-up for the USMS National swim they are hosting next year. If you’re new to open water swimming, try the ¾ mile swim.For a good workout, do both. Nice venue, plenty of parking. A good place to bring your kids: they have a swimming area that is roped off. Post event snacks provided.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]

June 12 Lake BerryessaLake Berryessa 1 & 2 mile (DAM)

Biggest swim of the year. At Lake Berryessa will run into people you know from your past swimming life. Water temp is comfortable. Get there early or you’ll have a long walk 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 ]

August 14 Lake Mendocino 2 mile (RCM)


Last year was the debut for the Lake Mendocino swim. There’s a large beach area and nice scenery to look at while you’re swimming. This is hosted by the same people who host the Spring Lake and Russian River swims. You might want to drive up the night before.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]

July 17 Trans-Tahoe Relay (TOC)

Here’s your chance to convince 5 of your fastest teammates that they need to spend a weekend with you at beautiful Lake Trans Tahoe RelayTahoe.The TransTahoe Relay is a testament to your organizational skills if you can get yourself and your teammates and your boat over to the Nevada side of the lake before the 7:30 am start. And it’s not just you…there will be 100 other teams pulling off this miracle along with you. Bring your warm stuff..The water will be in the low 60’s (give or take 5 or so degrees).
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]

Open Water 101, Lake Del Valle, Livermore (PMS)

An open water clinic for novices. Want to swim open water, but not sure what to do? Concerned about cold water, crowded starts, open water “culture”?
This Open Water 101 is a way to get started. Taught by local/national/international open water swimmers including Lisa Hazen, Trevor Gillis, Suzanne Heim-Bowen and Suzie Dodds. Limited to 50 swimmers.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ]

July31 36th Annual Roughwater Swim 1 mile (CRUZ), PMS Open Water Championship

Ocean swim around the Santa Cruz pier. The water is usually about 62-64 degrees, a little chilly, especially if it is foggy. 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 ]

August 1 Cruz Cruise 2 miles (CRUZ)

NOT a novice swim. This event is small and very low key. Loved by the true open water swimmers. It starts at 8:30 am and is usually foggy. The watSanta Cruzer will be around 60 degrees…maybe 62 if it’s an El Nino year. 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 ]

 

August 7 Donner Lake 2.7 miles (SNM)


The longest swim 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. In the past, the swim is limited to 350 swimmers. ;So, 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 ]

August 22 Donner Lake Hot August Chill, ½ mile, 1 mile (TTST)

If you want to try swimming in Donner Lake, but the thought of swimming the whole length gives you a headache, enter this new event. If you’re new to open water swimming, there is a ½ mile swim. You can enter either the ½ mile swim, the 1 mile or both. This is sure to be popular event. You can’t beat the scenery and the distances.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]

Lake Sonoma1 mile (RCM)

A good event for the first timer; the water is shallow and you can stand up if you need to. Plenty of parking. Bring your tinted goggles because the upstream leg faces into the sun. Always a well run event.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]

September 12 Whiskeytown Lake 1 & 2 mile (RAD)

This is a beautiful lake. Whiskeytown Lake is just outside Redding so plan to drive up the day before. 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 ] [ register ][ results ]

September 16 Lake Natoma Cold Water Challenge, ½ mile, 1 mile (SMST)

The PMS season ends with two small swims in Lake Natoma starting at NegrLake Natomao Bar Beach, Folsom. Lake Natoma is a small Lake which gets its water from Folsom dam runoff. The water can be chilly but distances are short.You get a tee shirt with your entry
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]