Race Day Details
Mandatory Registration and Check-in
- Date:
- Friday, October 1st 2010
- Time:
- 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Location:
- Sports Basement is housed in the old Presidio Commissary building and carries just about everything you need for hiking, biking, running, skiing, camping and all things outdoors. They have a huge selection of popular, name brands at 30-60% below retail. Sports Basement will be providing snacks and a 20% discount for all attendees.
- Details:
- The check-in is mandatory for all swimmers. You must provide a picture ID in order to pick up your timing chip on Friday. It is your responsibility to bring your timing chip with you on Saturday. No chip, no time, and big fine!!! If you can not attend check-in on Friday, please contact us to make arrangements for your check-in on Saturday morning.
NOTE: If you are under 18, your parents must be with you at check-in and must present a copy of the following 3 items prior to or at check-in: 1. A written note from your parent/guardian that he/she is responsible for authorizing your minor to participate in this kind of swim and you are aware of the potentially dangerous conditions of the Bay. 2. A letter from a certified swimming coach, testifying that he/she has seen the minors swimming and that they are in condition or to the level to participate in this kind of event and can swim mile or over two miles in the pool. 3. a copy of their medical insurance. The insurance company and agencies that provide the permits require these documents. If these documents are provided, the minor can not swim and will not be given a refund. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Swim Briefings
- Time:
- 4:30 & 5:30
- Details:
- This is a great opportunity to learn all about the swim, the currents, what landmarks to sight from the water, and ask questions.
- 6:00-7:15 a.m.:
- Check-in and body marking. After check-in, you will have your swim number written on your hand or arm by a volunteer. Let the volunteer know if you will be wearing a wetsuit or not. If you are wearing wetsuit, the number will be on your hand. If you are not wearing wetsuit, the number will be on your upper arm.
- 7:15 a.m.:
- FINAL Briefing
- 7:25 a.m.
- National Anthem
- 7:30 a.m.
- Swimmers will walk to Pier 39 1/2 to board the Red and White Ferry that will take them to Alcatraz (10 minutes walk).
- 8:00 a.m.
- After clearance is given from the Coast Guard, swimmers will jump in the water and swim to the start line to begin the swim.
- 8:30 a.m.
- Estimated arrival time of swimmers. Passengers and spectators will come back approximatelly 8:30 a.m. at Pier 39 1/2.
- 9:30 a.m.
- Swim course is closed
- 10:00 a.m.
- Awards Ceremony
- 11:00 a.m.
- Event Ends
Race Day Itinerary
What to Bring
You should bring a towel and warm clothes for you to change into after the race. You can leave a bag of your belongings with the volunteers at Aquatic Park. Do not bring valuables, as the race organizers are not responsible for any loss or damage to your belongings.
On the Boat
Wetsuit Swimmers: Wetsuit swimmers should go "swim ready." This means NO carrying extra items or bags (exception: an accompanying paid guest can bring your bag back). For the walk to the ferry, you should wear something on your feet, wear socks or other footwear that you have no trouble discarding.
Non-Wetsuit Swimmers: Skin swimmers will be provided an additional personal effects bag for items you will wear for the walk to the boat. Your personal effects will most likely not arrive at the back at the bleachers prior to your arrival so make sure you have other warm clothes waiting for you in the bleachers.
Water Start
Once the ferry is in position and we have been given the “all-clear”, the swimmers must enter the water via two doors on either side of the Red and White Ferry. The swimmers must then swim to the floating start line and wait for the Start signal. There will be no timing mat when leaving the boat, all swimmers will be assessed with the same start time.
The Swim
At the briefing, you will be told what landmark to aim for. Please listen to the kayakers as they may need to redirect you. If you are asked to go into the boat, you must comply as this is for your safety. Failure to follow staff instructions will result in a ban from future Alcatraz events with this organization and other organizations. During the swim, you may feel like you're the only swimmer around. But there will be swimmers and volunteers nearby. If you need help, raise your arm in the air and wave. Paddles and foot/hand booties/gloves (they fill with water & create a safety issue) are not allowed. Permission must be granted by the race organizers to use fins. When you are in the middle of your swim, take a moment to look around and appreciate the unique viewpoint!
The Finish
Look for the Flags at Aquatic Park. Once you exit the water, cross the finish mat. You're done! A volunteer will help you to remove your timing chip and another volunteer will give you a medal. Get your clothes on and then get some refreshments.
Awards
All swim finishers will receive a medal. The top 3 male and female overall swimmers in wetsuit and nonwetsuit division will receive awards. The top team will also receive an award.
What Is Considered A Legal Swimsuit?
Over the past 18 months, the swimming world has been a frenzy of controversy over the emergence of technology in swimsuits. FINA has recently implemented rules around legal swimsuits that will take effect on January 1, 2010. You can read more about this topic here. This swim will adhere to the FINA rules that will be implemented in January. Those rules define a legal swimsuit as: made of textiles and coverage of the body from “knees to navel for men” and “knees to shoulder straps” for women. Anything not adhering to these rules, will be considered a wetsuit.
Parking
There is plenty of parking on the day of the event at the end of Van Ness next to the Muni Pier at Aquatic Park. If there is no more parking on Van Ness, alternative parking is found at Fort Mason. From Van Ness, turn right onto Bay Street and head west. Turn right at Franklin into Fort Mason. Walk east to Aquatic Park.
If you have any additional questions, please send an e-mail to: info@waterworldswim.com
Event Information
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