Alcatraz

helengheleng Hertfordshire, EnglandMember
edited August 2014 in General Discussion
In October JB and I will be in California, and as part of our trip we would like to go and swim Alcatraz. I have googled various companies that offer private swims, but I am not sure what the going rate is for this swim. Can anyone recommend a good escort or advise how much we might be expecting to pay?
...I am assuming it is not a swim you can just go and do without some kind of boat support given the currents and boat traffic...?

Comments

  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited August 2014
    Gary Emich (Lane Lines to Shore Lines) is a good, reliable option. I hear swim-art is also good. @suziedods has been in the area much longer than I have, she may have other ideas.

    Private swims are expensive. Really expensive for a 1.25-mile swim. So expensive that if you think you might want to do any more Bay swimming in the future, it may be more cost-effective to just join one of the clubs (South End or Dolphin Club).

    Don't try to go out and do it without boat support. Just don't. It's a major shipping channel.

    BNuYdCwCYAAJaXG.jpg:large
  • david_barradavid_barra NYCharter Member
    edited August 2014
    evmo wrote:
    Private swims are expensive.
    I’ve done swims with Gary and Swimart (Leslie).... both are great.
    Take a few friends along and split the cost, or do an out and back, or GG to Aquatic Park, or....

    ...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

  • What Dave B said. Happy to chat.. suziedods@hotmail.com is best. And @evmo is right. DON'T just go.. and DON'T take the ferry to the island and think you can swim back. ( yes, yes yes it's been tried) IXNAY. And do stop by the venerable South End and Dolphin Clubs. You'll have swim club envy.
  • heartheart San Francisco, CACharter Member
    There are several variations on the Alcatraz theme. You can swim from there to Aquatic Park, to St. Francis, and to Angel Island - different outfits organize several swims every season. Also, you're in luck; the silver lining of our terrible drought is that the water is uncharacteristically warm.
  • helengheleng Hertfordshire, EnglandMember
    Thank you all for your responses, we are signed up for a swim with Gary and very much looking forward to it.
    @suziedods, @jbetley and I will try to stop by the South End and Dolphin Clubs whilst we are up there too - would be great to put some faces to names :-)
  • helengheleng Hertfordshire, EnglandMember
    @jbetley and I are in San Francisco for a couple of days and would love to call in at the South End / Dolphin swim clubs on Sunday (if guests are allowed). Can anyone eg @suziedods let us know what time they swim there or what time there are open?
  • mpfmarkmpfmark Teesside England Charter Member
    jealous grrrr
  • SharkoSharko Tomales BayGuest
    heleng...
    A group of South Enders ususally connect in the day room at about 7 on week-ends...I will likely be down for a swim...

    "I never met a shark I didn't like"

  • Thanks guys! Helen and I will be meeting Ranie at 9 AM tomorrow. Very civilised hour for people who have been out sampling the culinary delights of SF this evening!!!
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