Group Swims
Season Calendar 2009!
Check out the calendar of events for the 2009 season.
Aquatic Park - Monday Nights
March 16 to October 19, 2009
No swims on Memorial Day, Fourth of July (July 6), or Labor Day
Time:
6:15 pm meeting time for advanced group (enter water at 6:30)
6:30 pm meeting time for beginner group (enter water at 6:45)
6:00 pm meeting time for both 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: Please note: the concrete bleachers at Aquatic Park are under construction! We will 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.
Info about different training groups
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).
Beginner Group:
If you are slower swimmer and/or are still getting comfortable in open water, please join the beginner swims. When conditions allow, we will break into two groups – one for people with lots of experience who are not quite quick enough to keep up with the Advanced Group, and one for people who are getting in for the first time or 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, or 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:
June 13
July 18
August 15
September 12
Time:
Meet at 10 am
Swim from 10:15 am to 11:45 am
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.
Dates:
March 18
April 1, 15, 29
May 13, 27
June 10, 24
July 8, 22
August 5, 19
September 2, 16
October 14
Time: 6:30 pm meeting time; 6:00 pm in October
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.
