Alcatraz Swim Invitational 2024

1. What will the water temperature be?

The San Francisco Bay in September is typically around 60 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 17 degrees Celsius). It is important that you experience bay or open water swimming before the Alcatraz Invitational.

2. How can I keep warm in colder water?

To help retain body heat and prevent swimmer’s ear infections, South End swimmers often wear a thermal cap (or two) and earplugs. You can also opt to wear a wetsuit.

3. Do you know where I can rent a wetsuit?

Sports Basement (http://community.sportsbasement.com/stores/presidio/) rents Blue Seventy Reaction wetsuits and the rental fee can be applied toward purchase within 90 days. Their Presidio store is closest to the club: 415-437-0100.

4. What is the refund policy?

We do not provide refunds but you may purchase the affordable Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program when you register for the swim.

What is your registration transfer policy?

No transfers of your registration are allowed.

5. Can I sell my registration to someone else?

NO. You have to show an ID at check-in. It needs to match the name on the registration.

6. Do you allow race-day registration?

We will not accept new race-day registrations. We are sold out. The day of the race, we will release spots to those on the waitlist if any registered swimmers do not check-in by the cut off time of 7:10 am.

7. When do you have check-in for the swim?

Check-in will take place on Friday, September 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and on Saturday, September 7 from 6:00 am - 7:10 am in front of the South End Rowing Club. Registration will close at 7:10 am on Saturday so no late arrivals!

8. Will there be pre-event activities. Yes, on Friday, September 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, in addition to early check-in at which point you can get your packet, there will be a pasta dinner ($10 donation requested). Guest speaker, Amy Gubser, who recently swam from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands, will speak at 6:30 pm. Swag sales will also be taking place during the same hours.

8. Do you offer discounts?

The South End does not offer discounts for the Alcatraz Invitational. This is our annual fundraiser and helps us maintain and improve our more than 150-year-old clubhouse.

9. May I purchase a spectator pass to ride on the boat on the day of the event?

A limited number of spectator passes are currently available for purchase.

10. If I have family or friends who want to join me for brunch, may they?

You may purchase brunch tickets for non-registered swimmers.

11. How can I change my swim division?

Please notify registration prior to Sepetember 5 by emailing alcatrazinvitational@gmail.com.

12. Is there a cut-off time for the swim?

Generally 90 minutes is the maximum, but we take each swimmer’s situation into consideration and encourage every swimmer to finish. Ultimately we take direction from the US Coast Guard and San Francisco Police Department as to when to end the swim. Slower swimmers maybe repositioned.

13. Can I swim with a music device (swimpod)?

No.

14. If I have a disability can I still swim in your event?

We encourage everyone to swim. We will make every effort to accommodate a person’s specific needs. We’ve successfully supported a range of needs. Email sercalcatrazinvitational@gmail.com with your request.

15. How do I register a swimmer 14 years of age and younger?

Email the race director at sercalcatrazinvitational@gmail.com with the name, youth's age, and experience with open-water swimming (where have they swam, how often, what was the length of time they were in the open water).