2016 Finger Lakes Open Swim
July 18-21, 2016
10k per Lake
Canandaigua • Keuka • Seneca • Cayuga (view the course maps here)
Event format for 2016
We’ll be doing a 10k per lake, and the course per lake will take us up one side, cross over, back on the other shore to make a large 10k triangle. The exception is Cayuga Lake where we’ll be doing an out and back course from the state park to the yacht club and back.
Date/Time: July 18 – Canandaigua Lake, July 19 – Keuka Lake, July 20- Seneca Lake, July 21 – Cayuga Lake. We’ll start around 9am each morning to leave the afternoons free to enjoy touring in the lovely Finger Lakes region.
We are sanctioned by WOWSA. You do not need to be a WOWSA member, but membership is encouraged and appreciated.
Location/Directions: We will headquarter the event in Watkins Glen, NY. We will start/finish on the southern shore of each lake, except Canandaigua will be on the northern end shore.
Eligibility: Our event is sanctioned by World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA). We recommend you join WOWSA (on race entry form), but it is not required. Wetsuits are allowed unless the water temperature is over 80F. Teams are allowed if swimmers want to split up who swims each lake. However, only one swimmer is allowed per 10k as we want to minimize boats on the course and only use kayaks to escort swimmers. Entry slots are granted first to swimmers doing all four lakes, then to relay teams swimming all lakes, and then to individual swimmers per lake.
Rules: The event is sanctioned by WOWSA, and WOWSA rules and regulations are followed.
Please see www.worldopenwaterswimmingassociation.com for details.
Conditions: The course for each 10k swim is a large loop on the open lake where you will stay close to the shore lines and then cross over at one point to return on the other shoreline. The exception is Cayuga Lake, which is an out and back course from the State Park to the Yacht Club and back. The safety of swimmers is our prime concern; therefore, the swimming event may be delayed or canceled due to bad weather. The Meet Director and Marine Police will make this decision. There will be no refunds once the swimmer has entered the race.
Entry Fees: Each lake is $150, plus $100 for a kayak escort unless you provide your own. Fees include event costs for sanctioning/insurance/permits/course management, t-shirts, finisher medals, and race bags.
Timing: Timing will be by time clock, not electronic chip timing.
Awards: Finisher medals to all swimmers.
Safety – Our Primary Concern: In case of inclement weather, the race director may close the course and prevent swimmers from completing the swim. Entry fee includes a highly visible swim cap that must be worn as the top cap during the swim and all swimmers must have their race number on the provided cap. Lifeguards, safety boats, and kayaks will monitor the entire race course. Each swimmer will have their own kayak escort. Patrol boats will also be on the course for monitoring and safety. The course will stay close to shore lines except when crossing the lake to return on the other shore.
Water Temperature: Anticipated to be low to mid 70s on each lake.
Accommodations: We will notify all registered swimmers on hotel options, and post touring options on the event page.
For more information please contact Bridgette Hobart via email at bhobart@ptcllc.com, or via phone at 973.663.3663.
Course maps, T-shirts and goodie bags are available at check-in.