2012's open water swims
This year the magic number is 9. Your top nine finishes count toward the 2012 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. There are Open Water Points competition will have two divisions for the two different suit competiition.
Saturday, May 19
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 ]
Sunday, May 20,
Open Water Clinics,
Shadow Cliffs, Pleasanton
Sponsored by Pacific Masters Swimming
Each clinic has different requirements to attend and will stress different topics. Basic agenda for the clinics include a dryland talk, in water drills, ½ mile swim. Some of the Bay areas best open water swimmers will be your instructors. Limited to 50 swimmers in each clinic.
[meet sheet] [register]
Saturday, June 2 
Lake Berryessa
1 & 2 mile (DAM)
One of the biggest swims of the year. Once again, Lake Berryessa is part of a USMS open water series, USMS H2Open. Thiis 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 9
5K/10K
Sunday, June 10,
0.75 mile and 2.5K
Lake Del Valle
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 .75 and the 2.5K will be held. If you’re new to open water swimming, try the ¾ 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 sheet 5 and 10K] [meet sheet .75 and 2.5k] [register][results]
Saturday, June 30
Russian River/Lake Mendocino
1 mile, 500 yards. (RCM)
Depending on water quality, these swims will either be held at the Russian River or Lake Mendocino. Watch for an update. The 500 is a good swim for new open water swimmers. Register online - www.lifeguardsforlife.org
[meet sheet] [register][results]
Saturday, July 21
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 Tahoe. This 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). Last year, this swim filled up months before the starting gun.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ] [ results ]
Saturday, July 28
38th 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, July 29
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 4
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, August 19
Donner Lake Hot August Chill,
500 Yards, ½ mile, 1 mile (TTST)
Pacific Masters Championships
The one mile swim is the 2012 Open Water Championship. These swims are well worth the drive to Donner Lake. If you’re new to open water swimming, there is a 500 yard sprint or a ½ mile swim. You can enter the 500 yd, ½ mile swim, the 1 mile or all three. However, only ½ mile and 1 mile count toward OW points. Live music and a great after swim feast. You can’t beat the scenery and the distances.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]
Sunday September 9
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 15
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 ]
Sunday, September 23
Keller Cove Pt. Richmond, SF Bay
½ mile, 1 mile, 2 miles
Swimmers really enjoyed this new event last year. Three different distances to choose from. All races start at the same time, alll races count toward open water points.
[ meet sheet ] [ register ][ results ]