DAM's Annual Lake Berryessa Swim is one of the longest running open water swim events in America. Started in 1981 as a friendly lake swim, this event now attracts over 500 swimmers each year to the shores of Lake Berryessa.
Location: Steele Canyon Campground, Steele Canyon Road, Lake Berryessa, Napa, CA (map)
Course: 1-mile and 2-mile looped courses in a freshwater lake. 1 loop for 1 mile swim, and 2 loops for 2-mile swim. See course maps at bottom of page.
Host: Davis Aquatic Masters. Race Director: Kevin Waterson, berryessa@damfast.org
Meet Referee: Kate Stephensen
Event website: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/103123/2025-lake-berryessa-open-water-swims
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavisAquaticMasters/
Sanction: The adult races are sanctioned by Pacific Masters Swimming for USMS, Inc. Sanction # 385-W003
Conditions/Safety: Expected water temperature is 68-72 degrees. Course is patrolled by safety craft. Individual escorts are not allowed. All swimmers must wear the provided swim cap and follow all USMS Open Water rules. Mandatory safety briefings will be held at 8:50 am (2-mile) and at 11:00 am (1-mile) at the information kiosk. The Event Safety Plan will be posted at the registration desk on race day and is available prior to race day by request from berryessa@damfast.org.
Start: Deep water, wave starts (see below). Finish: Onshore.
Cutoff times: For 2-mile events, 2 hours after wave start. For 1-mile events, 1 hour after wave start. Safety craft will remove swimmers who fall short of the cutoff times.
Seed Times for Start Waves: Entrants will provide estimated 1650 yd or 1500 meter pool time to be used to seed start waves. Those in Category 2 (wetsuit division) need not include a seed time.
Eligibility: This event is open to USMS registered swimmers, or members of an equivalent organization (for foreign swimmers only). To register for the event, you must provide proof of current membership. You may register for a USMS One-Day Event Membership (OEVT) during the online entry.
Entries: Online entry is provided by Race Roster software.
Entry Deadline: Online registration closes Tuesday, June 3rd at 11:59 PM (Pacific time). NO paper entries and NO race-day entries. NO race-day category swaps (you cannot change from wetsuit to non-wetsuit (or vice-versa) on race day). NO race-day race swaps (you cannot change from the 2-mile to the 1-mile race (or vice versa) on race day). You may always withdraw from a race at any time, including race day.
Countdown to event
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
1-mile Swim Category 1 (No Wet Suit)
Registration closes in 3 hours 38 minutes-
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$72.04
Early Registration
Mar 23 – Apr 30 -
Register for 1-mile Swim Category 1 (No Wet Suit)$77.37Now registering May 1 – Jun 3
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1-mile Swim Category 2 (Wet Suit)
Registration closes in 3 hours 38 minutes-
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$72.04
Early Registration
Mar 23 – Apr 30 -
Register for 1-mile Swim Category 2 (Wet Suit)$77.37Now registering May 1 – Jun 3
-
2-mile Swim Category 1 (No Wet Suit)
Registration closes in 3 hours 38 minutes-
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$72.04
Early Registration
Mar 23 – Apr 30 -
Register for 2-mile Swim Category 1 (No Wet Suit)$77.37Now registering May 1 – Jun 3
-
2-mile Swim Category 2 (Wet Suit)
Registration closes in 3 hours 38 minutes-
-
$72.04
Early Registration
Mar 23 – Apr 30 -
Register for 2-mile Swim Category 2 (Wet Suit)$77.37Now registering May 1 – Jun 3
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Both Races
Registration closes in 3 hours 38 minutes-
Default will be category 1 (no wet suit) unless otherwise requested to the Race Director via email in advance of race day.
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$98.67
Early Registration
Mar 23 – Apr 30 -
Register for Both Races$103.99Now registering May 1 – Jun 3
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Contact information
- Event contact
- Kevin Waterson
- berryessa@damfast.org
