Race Day Details
2024 Race Information
June 1, 11:30AM
Hosted By South Whidbey Island Masters
Sanctioned by Pacific Northwest Association of Masters Swimmers for USMS, Inc. Sanction #364-W001
Event: 1.2- and 2.4-mile open saltwater swims.
Location: Seawall Park, Langley, Whidbey Island, WA.
Course: Our route runs down the shores of Langley as one long rectangular course, beginning and ending at Seawall Park. 1.2 mile swimmers will turn mid-course, while 2.4 mile swimmers will swim to the farthest buoy and return. Both events will start in the water and finish on the beach.
Water temps: Expected to be 52-58F.
Race Day Schedule
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Pre-race check-in at Seawall Park. Swimmers must show ID. Caps, arm marking, headcount sticks, and SWAG will be given in numbered baggies at check-in.
11:00 AM Mandatory swimmer safety meeting. All swimmers required to attend.
11:30 AM Estimated start time for both short and long course swimmers.
Rules
Current USMS open-water rules will govern the event.
Swimmers MUST attend the pre-race safety meeting to compete.
Wetsuits are required* by USMS. See Wetsuit Requirement below for waivers and additional info.
Swimmers must wear the swim cap provided and their race number on their hand.
Eligibility: 18 years of age or older on race day; USMS or other national swim registration for current year, or $20 One-Event USMS registration fee.
Time requirements: 1.2 mile entrants must complete their course in 60 min; 2.4 mile entrants in 1 hour 45 min.
Safety
This is a USMS-sanctioned cold-water event. Wetsuits are REQUIRED. (See below for more info on wetsuits.)
Lifeguards, kayaks, and safety boats will monitor the entire race course. EMTs will be onshore.
Swimmers are required to attend the pre-race safety meeting, wear provided swim cap, and race number on their hand.
Swim buoys are allowed but not required. [Note: Fins, snorkels, paddles, jetpacks (kidding!) or anything giving an unfair advantage is not allowed per USMS rules.]
More Helpful Stuff
Results will be posted after the swim on our website.
Food and Water: Please bring your own water bottle to save on all that plastic! Refill stations will be available, along with post-race snacks and coffee/hot bevvies.
Raffle: Stick around after the race for a chance to win some great prizes from local businesses! All finishers are eligible.
Race proceeds will go toward the new Aquatic Recreation Center on South Whidbey. We passed our bond in November, so we're on our way to construction! See the registration form or contact us for more details if you are interested in making an additional donation: info@swparksandaquatics.org.
Practice Swims: Whidbey Open Water Swimmers (WOWS) meet 8:30AM every Saturday at Robinson Beach on Mutiny Bay, and often at Seawall Park along the race route. Contact racedirector@whidbeyadventureswim.org for more info.
Ferry Info, Parking, and Accomms
Ferry: Be sure to watch ferry schedules for any race-day route changes! Schedules: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. Note summer schedules will be posted in late May.
Directions: From the Clinton Ferry Terminal, travel northbound on SR 525. Turn right onto Langley Rd and travel to Langley. Seawall Park is at 1st and Anthes.
Parking: Public parking is available at the corner of 3rd Street and Anthes across the street from the Langley United Methodist Church.
Accommodations: Come for the weekend and enjoy our laid-back island vibe! Check out the following for lodging options:
Wetsuit Requirements and Waiver Application
THIS IS A USMS-SANCTIONED COLD-WATER EVENT. WETSUITS ARE REQUIRED.
Water temps on race day are expected to range from 52 to 58F. Conditions on race day could include wind, rain, and colder upwellings in Saratoga Passage.
Every year we have folks who overestimate their cold tolerance. We've never had a swimmer overheat. Please know and honor your limits.
Our safety crew is instructed to pull anyone from the race exhibiting signs of hypothermia: blue lips, erratic swim patterns, confusion, slurred speech, slowing stroke, etc. While you might be "just fine" swimming in that condition, that's not how it's going to look to us, and we WILL pull you from the race. (Shortie wetsuits are a good compromise!)
To apply for a wetsuit waiver, fill out the Google Form below and submit by May 25. The race director will then review your experience prior to approval.
More questions?
Check out our FAQs, or contact our race director at racedirector@whidbeyadventureswim.org.