INTRODUCTION TO OPEN WATER SWIMMING
Open water swimming reached a new level of international exposure by becoming an official event at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Open water swimming offers the purest form of racing, where athletes are racing against their fellow competitors and not the clock. Race strategies, along with the conditions, are constantly changing which makes adaptability a key skill. Each race varies in length and course design, especially at the local level. USA Swimming’s Zone Championships feature a 5K and our national and international level events feature a 5K, 7.5K, 10K, and a 25K.
EDUCATION: Tips and safety information.
EVENT MANAGEMENT: Getting started, Sanctioning, Templates, Officials, and Rules.
GEAR ESSENTIALS: Are you unsure what to bring to an open water race? Below is a list of essentials for open water swimming. Depending on the type of race, length, and venue some or all these items may be required.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Start at the pier on Lanai Island finish at Ka'anapali Beach, Maui. This relay race is timed and there are six swimmers per team. At the start of the race, each swimmer swims half-hour legs until all team members have raced. Then each swimmer swims a 10-minute leg until they cross the finish line. Every team has a dedicated escort boat. The boat captain acts as the navigator for each team.
Monday, September 5, 2022 8:30 AM
Sans Souci Beach between the Natatorium and the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
Waikiki, HI
2022 Western Zone Open Water Championships - September 10 --CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Contact Coach Michael Kinross of the Sandpipers of Nevada.
Check the WZ website for updated information.
2022 - USA-Swimming Open Water Nationals & Jr Nationals
Results - CONGRATS TO KAI FLANAGAN FOR PLACING 6TH, BELIZE SMARTWOOD (18TH PLACE), AND KNUT ROBINSON (13TH PLACE) ALL COMPETING IN THE JUNIOR 7.5K RACE. THEY REPRESENTED KAMEHAMEHA SWIM CLUB. 
Kai Flanagan swimming the Junior 7.5k in Ft. Myers, Florida
2021 Las Vegas Open Water Champions Cup - October
Results - CONGRATS TO KNUT ROBINSON, KAMEHAMEHA SWIM CLUB, FOR FINISHING 5TH PLACE IN THE JUNIOR 5K!!!
Open Water Links
