El Cruce

abbygirlroseabbygirlrose Los Angeles and Palo Alto, CASenior Member

El Cruce
Does anyone have any information about the GSS "El Cruce" race. The other link is here By coincidence I will be in this area of mexico during this race and would like to participate, but despite 4 years of highschool Spanish am having a hard time finding solid information. Thanks!

Comments

  • swimrn62swimrn62 Stowe, VTSenior Member

    I was there last year and enjoyed it very much. The water is quite warm, shallow and very clear, you can see the bottom the entire way across. Registration has a booth just for English speakers and you can email the organizers in English, they're bilingual and friendly, but orientation was in Spanish. Know the course well before you start off because a few of the kayakers had no clue and steered a few people off course at the end. There is a sideways current that builds as you cross, so we aimed towards the right side of the island and then were easily swept towards the finish but you're much faster so you may be better off with a straight-on course. The finish was a fun party.

    abbygirlroseevmo
  • CaseyroddCaseyrodd TucsonMember

    I'd like to do this as well. Looks like fun!

  • abbygirlroseabbygirlrose Los Angeles and Palo Alto, CASenior Member

    Thanks! I am going to be in that area so I will try to make it happen!

  • GlobalSwimmerGlobalSwimmer New York NYMember

    Hi Abby,

    I've been told the organization has improved but I did it in 2017 and wasn't too happy with it, even though I am a Spanish speaker. Conditions are unbelievable, and the race has huge potential - however, indications are not good and given that there is not dedicated kayaker for everyone, you may end up in the other part of the island on your own if you are faster/slower than the people around you. Again, I heard they've got better at it, but if you decide to do it, just be mindful of the landmarks you are swimming towards, and make sure you stick to a group if you will need water / food during the 10K crossing.

    All the best!

    evmo
  • abbygirlroseabbygirlrose Los Angeles and Palo Alto, CASenior Member

    Thanks! I am trying to find out if there is any possibility of hiring a kayak escort because I am concerned about the navigation aspects (more so than the feeding) but am having a difficult time getting concrete answers. I'll probably still participate though.

  • abbygirlroseabbygirlrose Los Angeles and Palo Alto, CASenior Member

    Heading down to do this race this Sunday! Any other forum members joining me?

  • abbygirlroseabbygirlrose Los Angeles and Palo Alto, CASenior Member
    edited June 2019

    For anyone looking to do this swim in the future, it was fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised by how well run it was especially considering the large number of participants and it was absolutely gorgeous! My recap is here

    evmo
  • SpacemanspiffSpacemanspiff Dallas, TexasSenior Member

    @abbygirlrose said:
    My recap is here

    link is dead

    abbygirlrose

    "Lights go out and I can't be saved
    Tides that I tried to swim against
    Have brought be down upon my knees
    Oh I beg, I beg and plead..."

  • abbygirlroseabbygirlrose Los Angeles and Palo Alto, CASenior Member

    @Spacemanspiff Thanks! I think I fixed it!

  • SpacemanspiffSpacemanspiff Dallas, TexasSenior Member

    Yep, fixed. Nice report and well done. Second place female is amazing in any race, but even more so considering: (1) you had no pilot assist, (2) didn't know/study the course and (3) first place went to Sandra Frimerman-Bergquist who undoubtedly studied the course; had her usual, experienced pilot/husband leading the way; and probably logs 500+ miles of OW racing a year.

    abbygirlroseevmoStLucia_Channel

    "Lights go out and I can't be saved
    Tides that I tried to swim against
    Have brought be down upon my knees
    Oh I beg, I beg and plead..."

  • MLambyMLamby Senior Member

    I am considering this race. How close to actual 10k is it? How was the current? Are you not allowed a kayaker at all? I don't sight well. :) Does the race provide ferry back to Cancun? All the best!

  • abbygirlroseabbygirlrose Los Angeles and Palo Alto, CASenior Member

    Very beautiful race, mediocre logistics (granted the logistics might better if you speak more than high school Spanish like I do). I ended up contacting them and hiring a kayaker but then never found her during the race. Finally started following another kayaker who was on the course and he led me for about the last hour. They do provide a ferry back but you are basically stuck at the island until they do. Happy to answer other questions.

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