Group Swims
These swims are organized group training swims in the Bay. Most of our swimmers are there to train, have fun, practice their open water skills, acclimate to the cold, and avoid smelling like chlorine. We offer two groups: Coached Swim and Casual Swim. The coached swim focuses on refining your skills and swimming technique. You will be led through drill work by a coach. The Casual swim is perfect for people who prefer to swim with others and who want to increase their endurance and speed in the water. We are always happy to watch your technique and give feedback if you ask us to. We swim rain or shine!
Season Calendar 2012!
Check out the calendar of events for the 2012 season.
Monday Night Coached Swims - Aquatic Park
April 9 through September 10, 2012
Every other Monday night
Dates for 2012:
April 9, 23
May 7, 21
June 4, 18
July 2, 16, 30
August 13 (tentatively scheduled depending on America's Cup activities), August 27
September 10 (@6:15 pm)
Time:
6:30 pm meeting time for casual swim and coached swim
6:45 pm enter water
7:30 pm exit water
meeting time in September will be 6:15
Prices:$20 drop in fee
Wednesday Night Workout Swims - Aquatic Park
Every other Wednesday night we hold a Workout Swim at Aquatic Park.
Dates for 2012:
March 21
April 4, 18
May 2, 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8, 22
September 5, 19 (@6:15 pm)
Time:
6:30 pm meeting time for casual swim and coached swim
6:45 pm enter water
7:30 pm exit water
meeting time in September will be 6:15
Prices:$10 drop in fee
Payment: cash or check (payable to Leslie Thomas)
Wetsuit Rentals: $45. More info about that is on the Open Water Info page.
Meeting Place: We meet on the grassy hillside at the end of the Van Ness Avenue. This is next to the Van Ness Avenue parking area.
Map and Directions:
See our detailed map of the Aquatic Park area for parking spots, bathrooms, and landmarks. Google map here. For driving and bus directions, see the Information and FAQ page under "Aquatic Park Directions."
Notes about Aquatic Park:
- we change on the grass, so it's a good idea to come with swim suit on underneath your clothes.
- we leave our belongings on the grass while we swim. It is safe.
- the nearest bathroom is about a 5-minute walk away, in Ghirardhelli Square
- there are no showers at AP. there are private showers at the Dolphin Club and South End Rowing Club. For $6.50 you can drop in to one of the clubs and use their shower and sauna.
Your first swim:
If this is your first swim with us, please sign our WAIVER and bring it with you. . Once you arrive for the swim, please introduce yourself to one of the coaches and give us your waiver and payment. We will give you a green cap and ask you to sign in on the Sign In Sheet. Please be sure to sign out after your swim, too! Please read about the two groups (below) and decide which is right for you. There is no need to sign up ahead of time, but if you have any questions about which group you belong in or about the structure of our swims, please contact us. If this is your first swim EVER in open water, or in the Bay, you'll find some basic info about Getting Your Feet Wet on our Facebook page.
About the Coached Swim:
If you are still getting comfortable in open water, would like to practice your skills, and need guidance and feedback, please join the Coached Swims. This group is for first time open water swimmers or people who are still gaining comfort and confidence. About the swims: We swim for 45 minutes, with many rest stops along the way. The Coached Swims focus on drill work, practicing skills, working on technique. You will receive feedback from the coach and will practice and hone the skills you need to swim well in open water. We recommend attending an Intro to Open Water Swimming Clinic (see the Clinics page) before joining the group. No need to sign up for the swims in advance - just show up!
About the Workout Swim:
The Workout Swims are perfect for people who would like to swim for longer distances or are preparing to race in open water. These swims are for people who want a challenging, adventurous workout and prefer to swim with others. About the swims: We swim for 45 minutes around Aquatic Park in a different course every swim, occasionally swimming outside "The Cove". You will work on building endurance, speed, and open water skills. Requirements: comfortable swimming in open water. No need to sign up for the swims in advance - just show up!
