Open Water Update
June 22nd
Hi all,
Coach Tim of the Pacifica Sea Lions is hosting the next open water practice in Aquatic Park next Saturday, July 1st. I went to the last one to check it out and it's a great group of people and an awesome opportunity to try out open water swimming! I will be going to the next one as well. If you're interested, please read on:
RSVP and carpools - If you would like to attend on July 1, please RSVP on our site. I know Aquatic Park is a longer drive, so if not all parents can drive up there then it'd be great to organize carpools. If you'd like to carpool, either by offering a ride to others or looking to get a ride, please let me know. If happening, carpools would leave Alpine at 7:30am; otherwise arrive at Aquatic Park at 8:30am.
Wetsuits - Now is the time to get a wetsuit! If you'd like to try out open water swimming without buying a wetsuit, Sports Basement offers one day wetsuit rentals for $20-$35 (includes in-store pickup the day before and dropoff the day after). You need to request the rental online at least 3 days in advance of pickup. Here is the link to rent wetsuits.
If buying a wetsuit, used wetsuits can be a bargain. Surf shops and Craigslist are good places to look. For new suits, many swim brands like Arena and TYR and athletic stores like Sports Basement and REI sell them. SwimOutlet often has good deals on many brands.
Wetsuits should be form fitting and full sleeve, to ensure sufficient insulation. If it is loose, water will get it and it won't work. Recommended thickness is at least 3/2 mm or even better, 4/3 mm. Either surf or triathlon wetsuits are ok, what matters is having a good fit and comfort. Your first swim in a wetsuit is very much a time for testing it out and seeing if it's the right one.
Del Valle Open Water Meet - Registration has opened for the Del Valle Open Water Swim Festival in Livermore on Sunday, August 27th. Swimmers age 11 and up can swim 1.2K or 2.5K (or both). The water temp is supposed to be 70+ degrees, which is very nice for open water. You can swim with or without a wetsuit if you've done open water practice before. The meet sheet is attached and here are the links to the event info and registration page. Register now if you'd like to attend.
There will be additional open water practices on Aug 12 and in September. Hope to see you in the bay!