Information about swimming from Alcatraz

Alcatraz is a very exciting goal and a beautiful swim. What makes it a challenging swim are three things:
1) choppy water
2) cold water (53 to 63 depending on the time of year)
3) swimming across the current

PREPARATION: We have several videos that might be helpful
sighting
rough water
Our 8-week Alcatraz training plan will give you an idea of how to train for this swim if you are a beginner or intermediate swimmer.

If you are visiting from out of town, training in cold water might not be possible. It will help you to swim once or twice in the San Francisco Bay before your actual crossing. The spot for swimming in San Francisco is Aquatic Park, which is in front of Ghirardhelli Square in the Fisherman's Wharf area. Aquatic Park is a public beach, open all hours of the day. Most people leave their belongings out on the bleachers while they swim. Be sure not to take anything valuable with you.

NAVIGATING: Most people make the mistake of aiming for the finish point. They think they are swimming from point A to point B, so they aim for point B. However, when they do that, they end up beyond point B. The proper way to swim it is to aim "upstream" or LEFT of point B.

WETSUITS: Most people wear wetsuits, but certainly not all. The choice depends on your comfort in cold environments and your ability to prepare for swimming in cold water.

Another excellent resource is Gary Emich's book.