SWIM FAQs

"I'm worried about the swim."
The Alcatraz Sharkfest swim course may have a notorious reputation, but we can assure you that over the past 23 years, we've safely escorted more than 20,000 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. Alcatraz is only about a mile from Aquatic Park as the crow flies. The extra half-mile distance comes from the sloppy, backwards C-shaped course we swim because of the tides.

When the ferry drops you off on the east side of the island, Aquatic Park (your target) will be to your right. You will be given instructions raceday 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. These buildings will likely be left of Aquatic Park. 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 swim 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 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.

"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 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.

"What if I want to wear shoes or a sweatshirt during the walk to the ferry (or on the ferry)?"
We strongly recommend that you simplify by wearing your wetsuit, carrying your swim cap and goggles and walking barefoot to Pier 41 to catch the ferry. If you really want to wear shoes or a sweatshirt, please grab an plastic bag at the 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.

"What do I need to do on raceday 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 signed waiver and a photo ID to this check-in. You must also get your hands marked with your race number at this check-in.

"Will there be restrooms and changing facilities at Aquatic Park?"
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 located on Marina Blvd. across the street from Safeway. Parking here is $8 (all day). Follow one of the footpaths through Ft. Mason and over the hill to Aquatic Park.

"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!