Swim Ocean City, 9 miles, 20 July 2013

IronMike

Just heard about this race from the local tri club. There are actually three races, 1-, 3- and 9-miles. July 20th. This is an inaugural race, so no historical data to mine.

http://crossingcurrentsaquatics.com/swim-ocean-city/

dc_in_sf

The feed setup is kind of funky (feed stations at 3/6/8 mile marks), anyone who comes in at the cutoff (7 hours) is looking at 2+ hours between feeds, which would not be a lot of fun.

IronMike

And no escort kayaks allowed.

timsroot

IronMike wrote:

And no escort kayaks allowed.

Screw that, then. I don't want to go 3 miles between feeds.

Htimsj

You'd think any organizer would think safety first.

ChickenOSea

You can probably swim with a bottle of something down the back of your suit. I've done that before and it worked out fine.

Leonard_Jansen

One thing about Ocean City, MD beaches: In places it is fairly shallow with a shallower area about 50 yards out. At low tide it can be pretty rough to get out past the breakers. Also, the secondary shallow part seems to meander a bit and you can find yourself suddenly in breakers when you thought you were clear.
About 10 or 12 years ago I was in a race there (5 k) at very low tide and the lifeguards had to rescue 30-some people due to the roughness. I was thrown into a 15 year old girl and knocked her half-unconscious. I ended up dragging her out of the water and bagging the race.
- LBJ

Leonard_Jansen

dc_in_sf wrote:

The feed setup is kind of funky (feed stations at 3/6/8 mile marks), anyone who comes in at the cutoff (7 hours) is looking at 2+ hours between feeds, which would not be a lot of fun.

Just a thought: I did do the 5k the year after the race mentioned in my last post. It was high tide and the current was with us. I did the 5K in 1:12, which meant a strong pushing current. Under those conditions, perhaps it's doable without exceptional pain for a decent number of people.

-LBJ

Franco

Rule # 11 says that individual escorts will not be provided but that you may bring your own. I emailed RD and they will be posting separate results for wetsuit and non-wetsuit finishers.

I think I will probably sign up. It is too close to pass up and it will be nice to support a local group that have put a lot of effort into making this happen.

@IronMike This should make a nice lead-up swim to C3.

IronMike

@Franco, not sure I'll be recovered from END-Wet by 20 July!

timsroot

IronMike wrote:

@Franco, not sure I'll be recovered from END-Wet by 20 July!

If I can recover from Kingdom Swim July 6 and make END-WET July 13, you can recover to swim in Ocean City on the 20th.

Corey

The event is for my doctor's program and I am the race director. I just found this site and if you have any questions/concerns I will see what I can do to answer them. We have changed the rule to allow a person to bring a kayak and we will also assist in finding you a kayak if you can not. We are not providing them but will allow them.

Corey

@Niek this entire process is going to be new to me and I am looking for any suggestions/help I can get to improve. I hope to do this every year so I will take all criticism to heart and try to improve it for next year. I did not get the necessary gov approvals until late April/early May so I have been very time crunched. I started in November 2012 and thought that was enough time.....little did I know

IronMike

@Corey, welcome to the forums and so glad you've started this swim. It is nice and close but unfortunately my season is set, otherwise I'd be there.

Corey

@IronMike....what other swims are you doing? I am fairly new to the swimming community and do not know about many. I have done the Chesapeake Bay before and the Potomac this year. Always looking to put another goal on the horizon....

IronMike

@Corey, I'm doing END-Wet in ND, C3 in NJ and Swim the Suck in TN.

Corey

I hope it warms up for the swim....I did a ocean swim today and froze! Was only in for about 45 minutes and was in bad shape. I was wishing that I wore my hood and long sleeve suit!

malinaka

@Corey I picked a terrible year to move to the West Coast. Nonetheless, I'm really excited for your event and wish you the best. OCMD is where I fell in love with the ocean as a kid, and swam my first open water events there (tris) about 15 years later. Made it back there last weekend from Seattle for a wedding and despite the redeye flight, 3 hour car ride, and heavy north wind on Friday morning, I still chose to swim an hour rather than nap.

Do it, @corey! Make OW swimming big in the coastal Mid-Atlantic!

ChickenOSea

Sounds like an interesting event! Love point to point swims

Corey

It is shaping up to be a fun event....I am hoping for good weather and favorable conditions this year!

Franco

@Corey
Any lodging suggestions? Should I assume somewhere in South OC? It looks like race will be starting/check-in there regardless of direction we swim.

If we swim North, will transportation be provided back to start?

Corey

@ Franco Transportation will be provided for the swimmers. The Comfort Inn is a sponsor for the race but I do not know what their availabilty is or the price range. They are on 5th street and th Boardwalk http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-ocean_city-maryland-MD064 You can check availability online.

swimchica623

I grew up in Ocean City and lived there until after graduate school. I have friends organizing the swim, but couldn't correspond my visit home with the swim...hopefully next year. But a 9 mile swim WITH current could be a piece of cake...we always did a one mile race with the current and one year we were all coming in at 15 minutes! It was extreme that year, but generally there is a pretty good current helping you out. The temperature should be pretty perfect too, mid-70s. Put some gu in your suit if you are worried about feeding, but anyone who should be competing in a 9 mile race should be well trained enough to go 3 miles before a good feed. It's only 9 miles, with the current.
After swimming along that coast MANY times for races and training, starting in 1997, I would say at this time of year my biggest worry would be jellyfish. Jellyfish around there that time of year can get in big clumps. While racing about 5 years ago, we swam through a jellyfish cloud for at least 1/4 mile, maybe more. It was miserable...they are like mild stings all over. When I was up a few weeks ago, there weren't any stinging jellies, just the "sea jellies" that don't sting but still aren't very pleasant to swim through. Then there is still the risk of a really big jelly, but that only happened to me once, when I was 17, and that was up a little further north, in Rehoboth. If the water is comfortably warm, there is a higher risk of them.
As for lodging, the Francis Scott Key in West Ocean City is good for value and comfort. Anything you get in Ocean City is going to be filled with vacationers, especially if you stay south of 30th street. North Ocean City (north of 67th) would be quieter but more expensive. Other options are Salisbury (45 minutes away, could have business deal discounts) and Fenwick Island/Bethany Beach. If I were coming from out of town, I'd personally stay at a Delaware Beach. Maybe it's just from living there, but I don't care from the touristy-ness of Ocean City. Delaware Beaches are much quieter and more pleasant for relaxing.
I'm sad I am missing the swim....everyone is asking me if I am swimming in it, but I'm down in Florida now and already made my visit up to Maryland. Oh well, like I said...next year...good luck to everyone! (I promise the tourists and jellyfish aren't really bad...just sharing advice!!)

Corey

It was unseasonably cold yesterday and water temps have been varying dramatically. Yesterday we had "patches" that were really cold but overall it was only about 63-65 degrees in the surf. The most important part was everyone was safe and accounted for with only a couple of mild hypothermia cases.

Franco

I had a great time Corey. Water temp was cool but refreshing under those sunny skies. I was a little surprised though with the chill when we first entered the water.

Proud to call @Corey my new friend. Keep on inspiring others buddy. Please let your volunteers know how much we appreciate them. A special thanks to Ocean City Beach Patrol. Looking forward to returning in 2014.

I got a note from Dave S - you are now 1 of only 20
people that are recorded officially to have swam the full length of
Ocean City.

Pretty cool!

dc_in_sf

Just curious how much push was there from the current?

Franco

Very little if any assist based on times. I had expected it to be a much quicker 9 miles. It was a challenging swim especially for the roughly 8-10 of us who went without wetsuits.

Corey

@Franco I am very lucky to have met a bunch of great people through my journey since my accident....yourself included! I am very proud to have you as a friend and also a participant in my swim

IronMike

@Corey, it was great to meet you and it was good to see old friends @Franco and @jcmalick.

I have a different take on this swim, which I outline in my blog. It was a failure for me, 99% my fault. There were safety concerns which I brought up with the organizers (that's the 1%). Frankly, I'm happy nothing really bad happened to anyone beyond slight hypothermia.

My faults were: not ready for the salt; not ready for the waves; not ready for the cold; hurt my back the week prior. These are all things I could train to prevent.

I made it 4.1 miles before quitting. And that alone took me 2:30. Right now, if you asked me to join in a swim in the ocean of even only a mile, and you paid my way and put me up, I'd say no. Just the thought of another ocean swim (now) turns my stomach.

And I don't think I'll EVER do a long swim like that again without a kayaker. Add that to my list of mistakes.

There was a bright side. My kids and wife were playing on the beach when these three guys in white shirts ran by. Literally, ran by only two feet away. Knowing that there are guys out there capable of that and doing it for such a wonderful charity made my weekend.

dc_in_sf

I think reading about unsuccessful swims is a really valuable resource for folk who are looking at doing different swims. Thanks for writing up your experience @IronMike

Corey

@IronMike I do appreciate the input and I do hope to have this event again with changes that I want to implement. The water was unseasonably cold and rough in the beginning of the swim. I did not make it past the early stages to get where the water got calmer even though it stayed cold.

tortuga

Just signed up for 9er 2015. Anyone have any tips? Places to stay? Taking kayak thru the surf safely etc?

Franco

For anyone interested the date is 7/18/2015 info and sign up is here.
http://www.oceangamesusa.com/

@tortuga
Last year the surf was a little rough for the kayakers getting out beyond the breakers and coming in but my paddler seemed fine once he got out there. He did roll on the way in though. The first year I don't recall any issues with the paddlers but the water was a little chilly for some. Last year temp was probably around 70 but I think the water was in the upper 50's the first year where we started although it warmed up to mid 60's throughout the swim. It was unusual for that time of year but you may want to get some colder water practice in some time in the spring if you are in a warmer climate. I heard there were a few sign ups from NC yesterday so I am just guessing there.

There aren't any inexpensive hotels in Ocean City that time of year. The last two years I have stayed at the Sleep Inn at First and Baltimore. They have complimentary parking and it is a very short walk to the start. It isn't fancy but it is one of the best hotels in that part of town and very convenient. Even if you are checking out that day they will let you leave your car there all day.
http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-ocean_city-maryland-MD199

I am planning on signing up again this year. It is a fun and challenging event and a relatively small group that do the 9 miler. Look forward to seeing you there.

tortuga

@Franco
Cheers on all the info. I'm one of the NC folks. Cold water for us in July is low 80s. Meh, we'll do the best we can. Sounds like a blast. Hoping the surf is calm, my wife is my pilot (in many modalities) but hasn't had any experience breaking thru waves. I suppose we should head to the coast a few times to give her some experience. Thanks again.

JSwim

FYI: Ocean City water temperature was about 65 F last week (June 15, 16) near 2nd Street.

That temperature was posted on the back of a lifeguard stand. I regret that I didn't stop and ask the guard if that number was updated daily, or left over from sometime in May. But... I believe that number is correct. The water was quite chilly, especially compared to the near 100 F air temperature on the 16th.

I had been watching the OC water temperature at a buoy in the Ocean City Inlet, but it seems that buoy is in a warmer spot than the beach.

tortuga

I gotta recommend this race. What a blast!. 9 miles with following seas and white caps = roller coaster ride. The race is super well organized and the folks are exceptional.

klassman

I second what @Tortuga says. Though it was my first ocean swim and my first marathon swim so I have no good comparison other than the GCBS, I was impressed. Good safety protocols, helpful volunteers and a group of about two dozen swimmers who were all friendly. In particular, I chatted with the men's winner and two of the three women who were top-three. They all took the time to visit with me and offer advice, answer questions etc. They were gracious since I was asking very basic things.

JSwim

I agree too, the Ocean City swim was well organized, the weather and the current turned out to be great, very helpful volunteers including the beach lifeguards. I wish I hadnt had to find out personally how great the OC Beach Patrol is...

The roller coaster ride that was the ocean on Saturday did me in. I got so very sea sick. I managed until just after the 3 mile buoy, when my thigh cramped (never had that muscle betray me before) and the heaving got too bad not to quit.

So @IronMike will be glad to know that this swim now has a well organized plan to help swimmers who exit the water early. The OCBP has guards every 400 yards or so the whole length of the beach. One ran over to me immediately, gave me water, set up an umbrella, asked questions to make sure I didn't need EMS, called the organizers so they'd send someone to pick me up. I was well taken care of.

I am disappointed. But I learned alot. I will try an ocean swim again, probably OC, after I find a sea sick preventative that works for me. (I had taken ginger, just because I over prepare, not that I thought motion sickness would be a real issue. LOL)

But anyway, great swim, what I did of it. Water was cool for the East Coast in the summer. Started out around 76 or 77F near the inlet and got maybe 3-4 F cooler about a mile north. Conditions couldn't have been better, unless the good current had come with less of a roller coaster ride.

tortuga

@JSwim So sorry about your swim. Next time will be better.

IronMike

JSwim said:
So @IronMike will be glad to know that this swim now has a well organized plan to help swimmers who exit the water early. The OCBP has guards every 400 yards or so the whole length of the beach. One ran over to me immediately, gave me water, set up an umbrella, asked questions to make sure I didn't need EMS, called the organizers so they'd send someone to pick me up. I was well taken care of.

So glad to hear that! It really is nice to have a marathon swim in the greater DC area and it is for a great cause. Still have that swim on my list to finish someday.

Franco

I was reluctant to sign up for the swim this year because I had only been able to get in a limited amount of training. @Corey gave me a last minute nudge and I signed up just a few days out and was glad I did. He managed to find me a first time paddler who did a wonderful job supporting and guiding me. This swim is a great destination event and the whole team has really taken to heart swimmer input. They even sent out a nice follow up survey following the event. I loved the Ocean Games finisher towels for all of the 9 milers.

All of the local people get behind Corey and have made this a nice event to do on an annual basis. Nice to see several forum members although I did miss the opportunity to meet some of you. Maybe next year we can get a photo of the MSF crowd.

If @IronMike ever returns to the states we look forward to seeing you knock this one out.

IronMike

Franco said:

If @IronMike ever returns to the states we look forward to seeing you knock this one out.

Thanks @Franco! That swim is my white whale.

Leslie

Hi everyone, I am considering this swim as well as the Swim the Suck. Thoughts?? Anyone do both and can give input on which one is better? I like that this particular swim is for the awareness and research for traumatic brain injury.

Franco

I like them both. Ocean swimming can be more difficult than the Tennessee River. I have done both multiple times and would do them again. STS is a larger group event. The nine mile at OC is only about 25 participants. I can't recommend one over the other because I really think they are both great events. If you can find a way to swing it, I suggest you do both.

Leslie

Oh my...you would plant in my head to do both, wouldn't yo?. You don't even know me but you soooo do. LOL

Franco said:
I like them both. Ocean swimming can be more difficult than the Tennessee River. I have done both multiple times and would do them again. STS is a larger group event. The nine mile at OC is only about 25 participants. I can't recommend one over the other because I really think they are both great events. If you can find a way to swing it, I suggest you do both.

swimrn62

I'm trying to decide between Ocean City (only a few hours drive from home) and the Portland Bridge Swim (a long flight, a hotel, but Oregon is the only state I haven't visited). Such nice choices!!

Swim the Suck is at the same time as Bermuda RTS and I'm not ready to miss that, it's too sweet.

IronMike

I did them both, only successfully in one (StS). Despite that, I would attempt Ocean City again. Great organization and volunteers, and all the bugs from the first year seem to be worked out.

tortuga

Franco said:
I like them both. Ocean swimming can be more difficult than the Tennessee River. I have done both multiple times and would do them again. STS is a larger group event. The nine mile at OC is only about 25 participants. I can't recommend one over the other because I really think they are both great events. If you can find a way to swing it, I suggest you do both.

I concur with Franco. They're both great fun. OC9 is a bit bumpier than StS