SWIM THE WORLD TIBURON, CALIFORNIA
FIVE MORE… CALIFORNIAN SWIMS Try one of these swimming adventures in the Golden State
MARACAS OPEN WATER CLASSIC
Where: Santa Monica Beach Next event: 21 August 2011 These races, which start and fi nish on-shore, oſt en see success for those adept at body surfi ng who can challenge the chop. Bat ling the rough water is tough, and qualifi cation is required for the full 12-mile swim, but relay teams are accepted for those who want to share the struggle and glory. All proceeds go to charity. Distance: 1.2 miles, 2.4 miles, 4.8 miles and 12.6 miles See:
distanceswimchallenge.com
ALCATRAZ CLASSIC
Where: Alcatraz Island to San Francisco Next event: 4 September 2011 One of the world’s most iconic swim spots, Alcatraz Island (or, more accurately, a boat just off the coast) plays host to dozens of swims every year, but this event is one of the best. Organised by the Alcatraz Centurions, who have all swum the 1.5 miles 100 times or more, the race through the icy waters of Golden Gate Bay is not for novices, but its iconic status means that for many it’s the swim of a lifetime. Distance: 1.5 miles See:
waterworldswim.com/events/A100/index.html
LA JOLLA ROUGH WATER SWIM
Where: La Jolla, north of San Diego Next event: 11 September 2011 Nicknamed the Big Wet One, America’s premier rough water swim was founded in 1916 in the warm waters of La Jolla Cove, where the water is clear and marine life abounds. More than 2,000 swimmers from the US and beyond gather every year for a fun and fi ercely competitive event. Distance: Junior (250yards), Masters (1 mile) and Gatorman (3 mile) See:
ljrws.com
TRANS TAHOE RELAY
Where: Lake Tahoe, from Sand Harbor Beach in Nevada to Skylandia Beach Next event: December 2011 The only race that bridges two US states, the Trans Tahoe Relay is a gruelling six-person relay event over 11.5 miles in 12-14˚C waters (with no wetsuits). Despite (or perhaps because of) the diffi cult conditions, the 30-odd-year old event at racts plenty of top swimmers, as well as amateurs, eager to pit their strength against the lake. Distance: 11.5 miles See:
olyclub.com
NAPLES ISLAND SWIM MEET
Where: Los Alamitos Bay, Long Beach Next event: 17 September 2011 Long Beach is most famous as the jumping-off point for the Catalina Channel swim, and is known to some in the US as the ‘Home of Open Water Swimming’. If you’re not ready for Catalina’s 34km, then why not try a smaller event, like this late summer gala with fi ve events over diff erent distances, around the inland Naples Island. Fun in a beautiful set ing. Distance: 200m, 500m, 1000m, 1 mile and 3 miles See:
naplesislandswims.com
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The event has one special iconic feature, very familiar from postcards, posters and fi lm. “But I’ve only seen the Golden Gate Bridge once in all the years while racing,” says McCracken. “Last year I followed the Aussie strategy of fl oating leſt on the course and let ing the current push me back in. I was surprised to see the bridge and just hoped I wasn't so far leſt I was going to be washed out. It worked pret y good as I won my age group by about 45 seconds.” In his multiple outings, McCracken has raised more than £3,000
for the Special Olympics of California. Alongside the important fundraising, he agrees that what helps make Tiburon special is the mixing of diff erent categories of swimmer. “It’s exciting to ride over on the boat with the elite swimmers like Ous Mellouli and Thomas Lurz. There’s a lot of Olympic Gold on the boat. I’ve met Erik Vendt, Larsen Jensen and Chloe Sut on over the years. Its pret y fun to swim in a race that’s considered the world’s most competitive open water swim.”
SWIMMERS HAVE TO BE SOMEWHAT INSANE TO DO WHAT THEY DO
With so many of the world’s most experienced swimmers collected in the same place, it also means being able to pick up a few tips and gain a lit le inspiration. “One of my greatest memories doesn’t come from the race but from a pre-race dinner with the elite swimmers,” McCracken remembers. “Bob Placak asked all the swimmers to step up and in their own words explain what makes an elite swimmer diff erent, what makes them tick. There was a lot of ‘dedication’, 'desire’ and ‘determination’, plus ‘support from family and friends’. “I especially liked Klete Keller suggesting that you have to add a
lit le insanity to the mix, as most swimmers have to be somewhat insane to work out or compete the way they do. I’d have to agree.” ○
Chip Peterson (leſt ) and Christine Jennings, the elite winners of the 2010 race, with Bob Placak
Photo © Elliot Karlan
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