Athlete Guide The Course Challenge Divisions Qualifying Requirements Qualifying Swims Lifeguard Checkout Swims Fun Swim Pricing Travel FAQs Open Water Swim Forum 2012 Results

FAQs

• Registration
• Teams
• Fundraising
• Qualifying
• The Swim

Registration

1. HOW LONG IS THE SWIM?

   It's up to you! The 2012 Distance Swim Challenge offers a 500m Fun Swim and 7 distance events, including: 1.2-mile, 2.4-mile, 4.8-mile, 10k and 12.6-mile individual races, and a 4.8 or 12.6-mile relay. With multiple starting points between Manhattan Beach and Venice, all races finish in historical Venice Beach. Please note that you do need to qualify for the 2.4-mile distance and up.

2. IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE?

   Registration fees vary on the distance you wish to swim. Please refer to our registration fee chart for further information. In addition, each participant will be required to raise a fundraising minimum of $100. Please visit the Fundraising FAQ for more information and tips.

3. HOW DO I SIGN UP?

   Visit the Sign Up section on the main page and select the option that is most appropriate to you.

4. WHAT IS THE YOUNGEST AGE TO PARTICIPATE?

   You must be a minimum of 14 years old to participate in the following swims: 1.2 mile, 2.4 mile, 4.8 mile, 10k or 12.6 mile. You must be 12 years or older to participate in the 500m swim and swimmers of all ages may participate in the fun swim, however all children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

5. ARE WETSUITS ALLOWED?

   Yes, for all but the USMS Division.

6. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT DISTANCES IN WHICH I CAN PARTICIPATE AS AN INDIVIDUAL?

   1.2-miles, 2.4-miles, 4.8-miles, 10k and 12.6-miles. Please visit the Course page for more information.

7. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT DISTANCES IN WHICH I CAN PARTICIPATE AS A RELAY TEAM?

   There is a 4-leg 4.8-mile relay and an 8-leg 12.6-mile relay. Please visit the Course page for more information.

8. I'VE REGISTERED, BUT NOW UNABLE TO ATTEND. CAN I GET A REFUND?

   We are sorry, but your registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you have any questions, please email Jessica Eastman at jeastman@optimissport.com.

Teams & Relay Information

1. CAN OUR RELAY TEAM SPLIT UP THE 12.6-MILE OR 4.8-MILE COURSE INTO ANY DISTANCES WE WANT?

   No. The distances are all predetermined. Please visit either the course page or the home page with the map for the distances.

2. CAN ONE PERSON PARTICIPATE IN MORE THAN ONE LEG OF THE RELAY?

   Yes. However, you are responsible for your own transportation to each leg of the relay.

3. DO WE HAVE TO HAVE 8 PEOPLE FOR THE 12.6-MILE 8-STAGE RELAY OR 4 PEOPLE FOR THE 4.8-MILE 4-STAGE RELAY?

   No. You can do the relays with as few people as you like. Please note that each participant will have to come out of the water at each checkpoint regardless of the number of consecutive legs they are swimming.
   
   Also note, you cannot exceed 8 participants for the 12.6-mile relay or 4 participants for the 4.8-mile relay.

Fundraising

1. IS THERE A FUNDRAISING MINIMUM?

   Yes, $100 per person (in addition to the registration fee). But don't worry, raising $100 is easier than you think. Ask 10 friends for $10 or start by making a $25 sponsorship to yourself, then get 3 other sponsors for $25. Please click here to be taken to the Fundraising Tips page.

2. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T REACH MY $100 MINIMUM?

   If you have not raised your $100 minimum by packet pick-up, you will be asked to make up the balance, either via credit card, check or cash. You will not be allowed to swim if you have not raised $100 and are unprepared to turn in the difference when you pickup your packet. No Exceptions!

3. DOES MY REGISTRATION FEE COUNT TOWARDS MY MINIMUM?

   No, these are two separate fees/donations.

4. CAN I RAISE ADDITIONAL MONEY?

   Absolutely! We encourage you to raise as much money as you are able to. The $100 is just a minimum. If you need ideas or tips about fundraising, please click here.

Qualifying & Training

1. DO I HAVE TO QUALIFY FOR THE DISTANCE SWIM CHALLENGE?

   All swimmers will need to certify that they have the required proficiency to safely complete the distance that they are registering for. Please visit our Qualifying Information page to determine what you need know for your specific race.

2. WHAT IF I CANNOT COMPLETE A QUALIFYING SWIM PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE?

   We will be providing lifeguard checkout swims in July if you cannot attend a qualifying swim.

3. WHAT IF I AM FROM OUT OF TOWN AND CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN A LIFEGUARD CHECKOUT?

   If you have previously completed a swim of a similar distance, that may qualify you. Please contact Jessica Eastman at jeastman@optimissport.com and we will try to arrange something.

4. IF I HAVE COMPLETED A RACE LONGER THAN A 10K WILL THAT QUALIFY ME?

   Yes. Any completed swim that is longer than the distance you are registering for will qualify you.

5. CAN I DO A QUALIFYING-DISTANCE SWIM ON MY OWN AND PROVIDE GPS DATA IN ORDER TO QUALIFY?

   Unfortunately, no. We can only accept qualifying data from an official swimming event or a sanctioned lifeguard checkout.

6. HOW DO I TRAIN FOR THE 12.6-MILE SWIM?

   Please visit the training section of our website to see sample training plans. Additionally, you can participate in our ocean training swims. Please refer to the training section for all the details.

7. ARE THERE ONLINE RESOURCES DISCUSSING OCEAN CONDITIONS?

   Yes! You can try:
   • The National Oceanographic Data Center (http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/spac.html)
   • The Weather Channel (http://www.weather.com/activities/recreation/boatandbeach/coastal/cstlwtratl.html)
   • So Cal Coastal Ocean Observing System (http://www.sccoos.org/data/autoshorestations/?location=Santa Monica Pier)
   • Surfline (http://www.surfline.com/home/index.cfm)
   • Watch The Water (http://www.watchthewater.org/index.cfm)

The Swim

1. HOW LONG IS THE SWIM?

   It's up to you! The 2012 Distance Swim Challenge offers a 500m Fun Swim and 6 distance events, including: 1.2, 2.4, 4.8, 10k and 12.6-mile individual races, and a 4.8 or 12.6-mile relay. With multiple starting points between Manhattan Beach and Venice, all races finish in historical Venice Beach. Please note that you do need to qualify for the 12.6 and 4.8 races.

2. WHERE CAN I FIND A MAP OF THE SWIM COURSE?

   Please click here for a map of the course.

3. DO WE HAVE TO COME INTO THE BEACH AT EACH LEG OF THE SWIM? THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF WORK!

   Yes, all swimmers must come in at each leg of the swim for medical purposes. The staff needs to verify that you are physically and mentally capable of continuing on.

4. WHAT IS THE MEDICAL STAFF LOOKING FOR AT THE BEACH CHECKPOINTS?

   The staff needs to verify that you are physically and mentally capable of continuing on. This is evaluated at each checkpoint and participants can be pulled from the swim if deemed unsafe to continue.

5. HOW WILL THE IN/OUTS AFFECT MY FINAL FINISH TIME?

   Your finish time will be cumulative, including all ins and outs on the beach.

6. WILL THERE BE HYDRATION AND NUTRITION STATIONS AT EACH BEACH CHECKPOINT?

   Yes. Enjoy!

7. WHAT TYPE OF IN-WATER SUPPORT (I.E. NUTRITION) WILL BE OFFERED?

   We will not be offering in-water support, however we will provide hydration and nutrition at each beach checkpoint.
   
   If you are swimming the full 12.6-mile distance, you are required to have a kayaker and can have nutrition in your kayak.

8. ARE THERE SEPARATE WETSUIT AND NON-WETSUIT DIVISIONS?

   Yes! There are separate divisions. The USMS division is the official non-wetsuit division.

9. IF I STOP SWIMMING OR TOUCH A PADDLE BOARD OR KAYAK AM I DISQUALIFIED?

   No. You can stop and rest as often as necessary and you will not be disqualified. However, keep in mind you must reach certain beaches by the cutoff time or you will not be allowed to continue.

10. HOW DO I CROSS THE MARINA DEL REY INLET?

    Swimmers must cross on the outside (West) of the breakwater wall.

11. I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY FINISH TIME WILL BE. DO I JUST ESTIMATE?

    Yes. Please estimate and be generous in your estimation.

12. WHAT TIME SHOULD I BE THERE?

    Below is our expected race day schedule. Please note, this is subject to change.
    
    Race Day Schedule – Sunday August 19, 2012
    6:30 AM – 12.6-mile individual and relay heats start
    6:30 AM – 10k heats start
    6:30 AM – 4.8-mile individual heats start
    7:00 AM – 2.4-mile heats start
    7:00 AM – 4.8-mile relay heats start
    7:00 AM – Expo Opens to Public
    8:45 AM – 1.2-mile heats start
    9:50 AM – 500m Fun Swim (coed) start
    10:15 AM – Fun Splash (kids 12 and under) start
    11:00 AM – Awards
    1:00 PM – Expo Closes
    2:30 PM – Last Sweep of Water - Race complete

13. WHERE SHOULD I PARK?

    Parking information will be provided to you in your athlete guide prior to the event.

14. WHEN IS PACKET PICK-UP?

    Packet pick-up for all races will be held on Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18. We will announce specific details as the event approaches. At packet pick-up, you will receive important information about the event and will be able to turn in any additional money to meet your $100 fundraising minimum.

15. ARE PETS ALLOWED?

    No. Pets are not allowed on the beach.

16. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE RACE?

    All swimmers cross the same finish line at Venice Beach between the Navy St. Lifeguard Tower and Santa Monica Tower 29. Your friends and family may be there to cheer you on. After your race, we will have snacks.

17. WHAT DO I DO WITH MY BAG/THINGS ON RACE DAY?

    Bag drop is available at all of the individual start locations. You will be able to retrieve your bag at the Expo near the finish line.

18. GREAT. BUT WHAT ABOUT IF I'M SWIMMING IN A RELAY?

    4.8-mile relay participants can check and retrieve their bag at the Expo. 12.6-mile relay participants are responsible for their own bags.
    
    We recommend: Athlete #1 gives his bag to Athlete #2, #2 gives his to #3, etc... Athletes 7 & 8 can give their bags to other team members or check their bags at the Expo.