Group Swims
These swims are organized group training swims in the Bay. Most of our swimmers are there to train, have fun, practice their open water skills, acclimate to the cold, and avoid smelling like chlorine. If you are a triathlete training for a race or an open water swimming enthusiast, these swims are perfect for you. We offer coaching at each swim, in the form of "workout" elements and drill work. We are also happy to watch your technique and give feedback. We swim rain or shine!
Season Calendar 2010!
Check out the calendar of events for the 2010 season.
Aquatic Park - Monday Nights
March 15 to October 18, 2010
No swims on Memorial Day or Labor Day
Time:
6:15 pm meeting time for advanced group (enter water at 6:30)
6:30 pm meeting time for beginner and intermediate groups (enter water at 6:45)
6:00 pm meeting time for all groups in October
Price:
$10 drop in fee
$70 for eight swims
$250 for the season (covers all Monday and Wednesday night swims, 45 total)
Payment: cash or check (payable to Leslie Thomas)
Wetsuit Rentals: $45. More info about that is on the Open Water Info page.
Meeting Place: We meet on the grassy hillside at the end of the Van Ness Avenue. This is next to the Van Ness Avenue parking area.
Map and Directions:
See our detailed map of the Aquatic Park area for parking spots, bathrooms, and landmarks. Google map here. For driving and bus directions, see the Information and FAQ page under "Aquatic Park Directions."
Your first swim:
If this is your first swim with us, please sign our WAIVER and bring it with you. . Once you arrive for the swim, please introduce yourself to one of the Guides and give us your waiver and payment. We will give you a green cap and ask you to sign in on the Sign In Sheet. Please be sure to sign out after your swim, too! Please read about the three groups (below) and decide which is right for you. There is no need to sign up ahead of time, but if you have any questions about which group you belong in or about the structure of our swims, please contact us. If this is your first swim EVER in open water, or in the Bay, you'll find some basic info about Getting Your Feet Wet on our Facebook page.
Notes about Aquatic Park:
- we change on the grass, so it's a good idea to come with swim suit on underneath your clothes.
- we leave our belongings on the grass while we swim. It is safe.
- the nearest bathroom is about a 5-minute walk away, in Ghirardhelli Square
- there are no showers at AP. there are private showers at the Dolphin Club and South End Rowing Club. For $6.50 you can drop in to one of the clubs and use their shower and sauna.
Three different training groups - Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Please call if you have any questions about where you fit in. There is a group for you!
Advanced Group:
The advanced group is perfect for people who would like to swim for longer distances or are preparing to race in open water. The Advanced group is for people who are faster and want a challenging, adventurous workout. About the swims: We swim for 40 to 50 minutes around Aquatic Park in a different course every week, occasionally swimming outside "The Cove". In addition to building endurance, we practice racing skills and work on developing speed, proper stroke technique, and open water skills. Requirements: comfortable swimming one mile in under 40 minutes. No need to sign up for the swims in advance - just show up!
Intermediate Group:
The intermediate group is perfect for people who want more instruction than the Advanced group. About the swims: We swim for 35 to 45 minutes around Aquatic Park in a different course every week. The intermediate group works on improving open water skills, building endurance, developing speed, and improving stroke technique. Requirements: comfortable swimming 1/2 mile in under 25 minutes. No need to sign up for the swims in advance - just show up!
Beginner Group:
If you are slower swimmer and/or are still getting comfortable in open water, please join the Beginner swims. This group is for first time open water swimmers or people who are still gaining comfort and confidence. About the swims: We swim for about 30 minutes at a 45 to 50-minute mile pace, with many rest stops along the way. The Beginner group includes instruction throughout the program. We recommend attending an Intro to Open Water Swimming Clinic (see the Clinics page) before joining the group. No need to sign up for the swims in advance - just show up!
Long Group Swims at Aquatic Park - Saturday Mornings
Once a month we meet at Aquatic Park on Saturday morning for a 1.5-hour swim. The course is three full loops of the cove. These swims are great for people who enjoy more distance and/or those training for Ironman races. Same set up as Monday Night swims, so see all of the info about.
Dates for 2010:
April 17 (short swim - 45 minutes)
May 8
June 19
July 17
Time:
Meet at 11 am
Swim from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm
Treasure Island - Wednesday Nights
Every other Wednesday night we take our group swims to Treasure Island. Treasure Island boasts a beautiful cove, protected from wind and currents, with water temps on average four degrees warmer than at Aquatic Park. Definitely the perfect place to swim. We have two training groups - Advanced/Intermediate and Beginner.
Dates for 2010:
March 25
April 7, 21
May 5, 19
June 2, 16, 30
July 14, 28
August 11, 25
September 8 (@6:30pm), 22 (@6:15 pm)
October 6 (@6:00 pm)
Time: 6:30 pm meeting time, unless otherwise noted
All levels are welcome. We will break into two groups: Beginner and Advanced.
Price: as above
Directions:
See the Information and FAQ page under "Treasure Island Directions." Satellite photo here! Google map here.
If you have any questions, please email Leslie.
