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. We offer coaching at each swim, in the form of one "workout" focus and some drill work. We are also happy to watch your technique and give feedback upon request.
Winter Program 2009-2010
Our Saturday Group Swims will continue through the Winter!! Lead Guide Barry knows how to have a good time, and he'll find a way to make even jumping into 48-degree water FUN!! Please join us. Swims will be one Saturday a month. All levels are welcome.
Dates:
October 17, 2009 (End of the Season Potluck Picnic Party afterward)
November 14, 2009
December 12, 2009
January 16, 2010
February 13, 2010
March 13, 2010
Location: Aquatic Park. For directions, see the Information and FAQ page.
Time: 11:00 am meeting time. Swim from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm
Price: $10 drop in
Wetsuit Rentals: $45. More info about that is on the Open Water Info page.
Season Calendar 2010!
Check out the calendar of events for the 2010 season.
Kickoff Party at the Presidio Sports Basement
Thursday, March 11
7 - 8 pm
Come help us kickoff the season right! Learn about our season schedule, meet our Guides, meet our new and returning swimmers, shop at a 20% discount, share some food and beer.
@ 610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129
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 (made out 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. If you are also a USAT member, please fill out the USAT waiver. 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 two 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.
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 separates into two groups when conditions allow: one group for people who are faster and want a challenging, adventurous workout, and one group for people who are not quite as fast and want a tamer swim. About the swims: We swim for 35 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! We prefer that you are a USAT member (more info under the Insurance section).
Intermediate Group:
The intermediate group is perfect for people who would like to swim longer than the beginner group but 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! We prefer that you are a USAT member (more info under the Insurance section).
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! We prefer that you are a USAT member (more info under the Insurance section).
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
August 7
September 18
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." Google map here.
If you have any questions, please email Leslie.
