General Questions
Swim Questions
More Questions?
Email us at
info@envirosports.com
What do I need to do on race day morning?
You will need to check-in raceday morning. Check-in will be located in the Senior Center (first floor of the Maritime Museum at
Aquatic Park). You will receive your Velcro strap timing chip when you check in. Please bring your photo ID to this check-in. You must
also get your hands marked with your race number at this check-in.
What if I
want to wear shoes or a sweatshirt while walking to or on the ferry?
We strongly recommend that you simplify by wearing your wetsuit (and a pair of
flip-flops if you don't want to walk barefoot) and carrying your
swim cap and goggles to Pier 41 to catch the ferry.
If you want to wear shoes or a sweatshirt, please grab a plastic bag at check-in, mark it with your race number and bring it with you on
the ferry. You may put your extra items in this bag during the ferry ride to the
island and our volunteer crew will make sure these bags get back to the finish
area.
Will there be restrooms or changing facilities on race day morning?
Port-a-potties will be set up at the end of the promenade near the Dolphin Rowing Club (if you're walking with the grandstands on your
right, continue down the path and you'll find them). There will not be private changing facilities available.
Where should I park? Where should spectators park?
The best place for participants and spectators to park is Ft. Mason Center ($8/all day) located on Marina Blvd. across the street from
the Safeway. Follow one of the footpaths through Ft. Mason and over the hill to Aquatic Park.
Can I wear a full body swim suit or skin suit?
Yes you can wear a full body swim suit or skin suit, but if you do you will be placed in the "Wetsuit or Swim Aid" category as it is
still considered to be a swim aid to help you swim faster. The "Non-Wetsuit or Non-Swim Aid" category is for those who wear old school
swim suits only.
Can my friends and family ride out on the ferry with me?
We charter ferries to accommodate event participants. Unfortunately, the ferries will not have room for your friends and family members.
Besides, they might not get back in time to see you finish!
Swim Questions
I'm worried about the swim.
The Alcatraz swim course may have a notorious reputation, but we can assure you
that over the past 27 years, we've safely escorted more than 15,000 swimmers
along this course. The biggest variable is the tides. Luckily, our race
director, Dave Horning, has swum the course 75 times and knows the San Francisco
Bay tides well. We specifically plan the date of our Alcatraz events around the
tides.
When the ferry drops you off on the east side of the island, and as you round the south
end of the island when you start your swim, Aquatic Park (your target) is
straight ahead. You will be given instructions race day morning on which
buildings to spot off of during the swim. These instructions are based on a test
swim conducted the day before during similar tidal conditions. Mind these
instructions.
If you aim directly for Aquatic Park, the tide will sweep you west past the entrance and a
boat will have to pick you up. If you aim too far left, the worst that can
happen is that you may have swum slightly farther (with the current behind you)
until you reach the entrance. If you aim too far right, you'll end up west of
the entrance, swimming in place against an unbeatable current and trying to get
back.
Use your common sense and practical judgment and you'll be fine!
Any other advice on the swim?
- Swim gloves and booties are not allowed on this swim. They actually fill
with water and make it more difficult to swim.
- Neoprene swim hoods are allowed. Please wear the swim cap given to you
over your swim hood. It is advisable that you bring an extra swim cap and
wear it under your event swim cap if you're not wearing a hood. A second cap
will keep your head warmer.
- Hold on to your goggles as you jump from the ferry ? they can easily pop
off as you hit the water.
- Swim away from the boat immediately after entering the water to make way
for the next participants. The faster everyone disembarks, the sooner the
race can start.
- The start line will be marked by a row of kayakers. Swim up to the
start line, but please don't hang on kayaks or crowd around them. You may
swim around to warm up behind the start line, but keep in mind, everything
starts rather quickly -- 6 to 8 minutes after we start disembarkation. The
race starts at the sound of the ferry's horn.
What if I panic during the swim?
If you find when you start to swim that your heart is beating rapidly and your
breathing feels out of control, this is perfectly normal. It's just the
adrenaline rush of race day paired with the shock of the cold bay water. Use
your own judgment on whether to continue, especially if you have any medical
conditions, but most people find that if they continue to swim, they warm up,
get their breathing back under control and are able to get back into a groove
and finish the swim. You may backstroke, or swim with your head out of the water
until your comfortable to swim freestyle again.
If you feel that you cannot complete the swim or you need the assistance of a kayaker, stay
put and put one arm straight up in the air. A kayaker will come to you and
discuss your options. It is perfectly legal to grab the nose of a kayak and wait
out a cramp, get your breathing under control, etc. Don't hesitate to take the
measures you need to finish your swim.
A smart athlete will know when it's not their day. You'll always be welcome to come back
and try again. There's no shame in taking a rain check on this event.
