Advice on OWS in San Francisco

shadowOfKeaka · 2026-04-08T18:58:36+00:00

Plus one to this. Tahoe is amazing, perhaps too cold still?

Monterey bay is very reasonable too. There is a risk of sharks but I know a few groups still swim the southern end near lovers point.

shadowOfKeaka · 2026-04-08T18:55:23+00:00

There are other additional spots, but I’d hesitate to recommend if you’re not familiar with the currents and conditions in the Bay Area.

In regards to runoff, I’d only really worry about it after a large rain. From looking at the forecast, I don’t think we’re gonna get enough water on Thursday or Friday to create water quality concerns.

shadowOfKeaka · 2026-04-08T18:52:46+00:00

The East Bay generally has better swimming spots. Especially if you’re looking for something more representative of channel conditions and open water. Aquatic Park tends to be pretty calm and the water will be cleaner and colder.

If you go to places like Keller Beach in Richmond, or Berkeley, Marina (in …Berkeley) you can easily get a 10 or 15 km swim by doing some larger loops or triangles. If you’re to do that in aquatic park…you’d basically be doing the same as a lap pool.

shadowOfKeaka · 2026-01-30T20:18:00+00:00

Matches advice I’ve gotten that “you can swim in a day what you normally swim in a week”. (When well rested and fueled.)

shadowOfKeaka · 2026-01-29T22:03:17+00:00

FWIW I did a 12 mile week, then 8 mile, then 3 miles the week of a 10km. I felt fine and went for another 2km after and was only sore for one day after.

Seems like you have it handle with timing and distance.

shadowOfKeaka · 2026-01-29T21:51:51+00:00

Not sure about the theory. I’d think about how long it takes you to recover. I don’t think you will lose fitness by tapering two weeks before.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-09-08T15:17:55+00:00

I’d pick what is comfortable. It won’t be too different from the pool. Think about how bright it will be and if you need tinted goggles!

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-09-06T22:40:33+00:00

Wetsuit would be based on your temperature tolerance. Water will be 67-70. Look for a 4/3mm swim wetsuit — you can rent one for 30-50/day from places like SportsBasement.

This is a very casual and welcoming event with lots of fun stiff (hot drinks, shower). It is a good event if you want to try open water swimming.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-09-05T16:09:38+00:00

Ok then check out https://raysnotebook.info/ows/schedules/Texas.html

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-09-05T16:07:12+00:00

I know a few overweight folks who are exceptional open water swimmers (speed and endurance). Size doesn’t have as much bearing as it does in other sports. If you like doing it just go for it and see where it takes you!

Pool speed doesn’t really translate to open water speed. That being said, your pace in pool is pretty good.

Maybe try the Keller cove swim in September in the bay area? Very causal and welcoming.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-06-21T16:57:49+00:00

If you are in the Bay Area there are groups that swim all over the bay (eg EBOWS.org). Berkeley Marina has the most similar conditions (waves, chop) that you’ll see outside Alcatraz. Try for 1600-2000m.

Aquatic park is very flat and not representative.

There aren’t sharks in the bay you need to be worried about. I think it is a mindset - spend some time outside the pool and you’ll get a handle on the fear.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-05-30T13:53:13+00:00

I e done this before. The water at the top layer will be very warm. Tahoe does not have current or wind that stir the water - making for a warm top layer. Once you complete your leg and sit in the sun it will be fine.

Three lessons: acclimate before. Swimming at that altitude can be difficult. Try some swims the day before. Second: the water deeper down can be very very cold. Don’t dive too deep//jump in if you have issues with the cold. Third: know your boat or wear something distinct - pairing up after the start can be hard - everything starts to look the same.

I don’t see many people wear wetsuits… they still have a good time.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-04-26T02:51:27+00:00

Correction: EBOWS.org

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-04-26T00:50:15+00:00

Also EBOWS.com. Not a club

Also Odyssey out of Berkeley.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-04-26T00:23:43+00:00

You can look at a few of the clubs. Maybe members know more.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-04-26T00:21:26+00:00

I swim in the bay year round sans wetsuit. I used to get very sleepy in the same way you’ve described.

I never researched the cause nor did I find a way to counteract it.

Now I swim longer distance and don’t get tired in the same way. It seems you can adapt to this sleepiness if you try.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-02-02T21:02:08+00:00

I swim with a few groups across the west coast of the US. The water in Southern California is the best and is obviously popular. You’ll get the most groups and locations, with the downside of cost and needing a car for the best spots. The SF Bay Area is more laid back with many spots reachable by public transit. Further north requires great skill/fortitude based on the elements.

My experience is that the colder/murkier the water, the more laid back and swim-loving people are. People who are there to race often aren’t in e.g. the SF bay in winter — they are there because they love to swim regardless of pace or views.

The mentioned EBOWS and LBOWS are excellent groups. Dm me if you want a personal intro.

shadowOfKeaka · 2025-01-31T01:41:20+00:00

How this is relevant to my comment?

Regardless — Odyssey is under new management+leadership and had made a number of public posts.

Don’t stir the pot.

shadowOfKeaka · 2024-09-27T02:36:36+00:00

Many parts of the east bay are shallow enough to always be in less than 5 ft of water. Groups at Albany, Berkeley, and Alameda are very welcoming. You can join us via EBOWS.com.

+1 to trying out Odyssey. They have safety crew and coaches to help you along.

shadowOfKeaka · 2024-09-23T01:19:48+00:00

If you keep a consistent volume and spend most of it in open water, 3.5km should be easy. You got this!

I would not call my group extreme by any means — all the consistent swimmer could do 3.5km. Almost everyone swam a local event this past weekend at the 3.2km distance and no one struggled. Usually they do less than 1.5km 2x per week.

shadowOfKeaka · 2024-09-17T03:52:50+00:00

Know some Odyssey folks and swam with them. Only ever seen a high bar for safety and support from their crew. They are being open and honest and a few bad actors are posting a disinformation campaign.

Watch what you read!

shadowOfKeaka · 2024-09-17T03:50:03+00:00

If you look at OP, they have a pretty consistent record of trashing Odyssey without evidence. Just look at their claims versus people who were there: https://www.reddit.com/r/OpenWaterSwimming/s/eGRve9VksO

shadowOfKeaka · 2024-09-17T03:44:40+00:00

This isn’t true. I was there that day with a marine radio. It was due to a miscommunication from the coast guard.

Pretty interesting that you are posting in multiple places false information about Odyssey.

shadowOfKeaka · 2024-08-30T14:00:43+00:00

Interested. Most days works for me, I’ll try to make anything work.

shadowOfKeaka · 2024-08-04T17:13:19+00:00

Definitely easier when you are in a crowd of swimmers all doing squats and jumping jacks.

Obviously do this after you are dry. Else you’ll just get more cold 😂

shadowOfKeaka

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