Open Water Swim Clinics and Guided Swims
FOR ADULTS 18+
Open Water Swim Clinic programs benefit the South Whidbey Parks & Aquatics Foundation, whose mission is to make parks and aquatics activities accessible to all residents of the South Whidbey Island community by raising money to fund capital expenses, operating endowments, and scholarships. The Foundation is currently working to build a community pool on South Whidbey. www.swpaf.org.
Bring: Goggles, ear plugs, towel. Wetsuit required for the swims in Puget Sound; optional but encouraged for the lake swim.
Instructors: Experienced open water swimmers led by open water swimmer and Ironman Triathlon veteran Matt Simms. On-water kayak/SUP support provided.
Location: Clinics are scheduled for Goss Lake and Seawall Park in Langley. Guided swims later in the summer following the clinics are scheduled for Maxwelton Beach and Bush Point.
Requirements:
- Participants must already know how to swim
- Participants must have current membership in US Masters Swimming to provide insurance and liability coverage for the events. Options:
- A calendar year membership through the end of 2023 costs $70 and can be completed at USMS.org.
- Participants in the guided saltwater swims must have open water swimming experience or have attended one of the open water clinics.
Open Water Swim Clinics
ADULTS 18+
Swimming in the open water is a way to experience a world of wonder many never see. When you immerse yourself in one of the bodies of water found across the Pacific Northwest, you can find beauty, happiness, wellness, fitness, peace and serenity and… cold water, waves, barnacled rocks, boat traffic and jellyfish. How do you deal with those latter elements to get to all the beauty and happiness and wellness and all that? Simple. Attend an Open Water Swim Clinic sponsored by the South Whidbey Parks & Aquatics Foundation!
Topics in these clinics may include: swim gear • wetsuits • dealing with the elements • getting past the panic • safety • weather & critters • breathing & sighting • differences between a lake, a river, and the ocean • triathlons • starts, finishes & turns • pacing • dealing with the maelstrom • training & fueling • places to swim around Whidbey and beyond
PRE-CLINIC INFO SESSION (ZOOM)
Thursday, May 18, 6-7:00pm, FREE, but advance registration required.
GOSS LAKE – FRESHWATER CLINIC With Triathlon Focus
Saturday, June 10, 9am–Noon, Fee: $50
SEAWALL PARK – SALTWATER CLINIC
Sunday, June 11, 9am–Noon, Fee: $50
Guided Saltwater Swims
These guided swims will follow and build on the experience you gained at the clinics. Learn swim routes and the specifics of tides, currents, and other conditions commonly found at public swim locations around Whidbey Island.
Guides will cover swim planning, accounting for tides, current, weather, underwater hazards, sea life, and boat traffic. Post-swim refreshments provided.
BUSH POINT
Sunday, July 1, 9:00am–Noon, Fee: $35
HIDDEN BEACH
Sunday, August 19, 9:00am–Noon, Fee: $35