Open Water Swims: 4 SoCal Races to Hit Every Summer
I don’t want to say we have been cold plunging since before it was cool, but we have taken part in a few cold ocean water swims these past few years. It might surprise some people that the Noodle Bagz crew is relatively new to organized swimming. It might not surprise you that footy players don’t float too well. Swimming has become a great learning process and a new way to stay fit. The water is a great place for thought and reflection. Recently we’ve come to discover some great spots to swim and races to compete in Southern California.
Check out 4 Open Water Swims that you must hit this summer.
La Jolla Pier to Cove / June 25th / 1.5 Miles / Difficulty: Medium
La Jolla Cove is one of the more scenic places to swim and a real hub for open water swimmers. Groups are out everyday of the week going for a swim along the shore or heading out to the cove. Cruise down at 6am any day of the week, overcast and cold, and you’ll find a crew headed out. It is no surprise that this would be the site of one of our favorite open water swims. Pier to Cove a is a 1.5 mile swim from La Jolla Shores to La Jolla Cove. The swim takes you over the giant La Jolla underwater cavern. We secretly only do it for the hot breakfast from Duke’s La Jolla after, but if anyone asks we are optimizing.
Dwight Crum Pier to Pier / August 6th / 2 Miles / Difficulty: Hard
This is a great swim for some serious competition as all the top swimmers are lightning quick. The swim starts in Hermosa Beach south of the pier and ends in Manhattan on the north side of the Pier. Part of the International Swim & Surf Festival the swim raises money for the local lifeguards. Over 1000 people participate and it is one of the more challenging swims on our list. Water temps are optimal and the faster you swim the quicker you are done. Post swim make sure to hit The Shellback Tavern for a double tequila shot to really heat up the central nervous system.
Oceanside Pier / September 4th / 1 mile / Difficulty: Easy
For those just getting into open water swimming this is a great swim to get your noodle wet. Very similar to an ‘out and back’ run you just do a quick loop around the Oceanside pier. There is always a big crowd and many events, vendors, and food around the labor day festival. Hosted in September this makes for a lovely warm water swim. This is the perfect swim if you’ve never done an ocean swim before.
La Jolla 10 Mile Relay / September 24 / La Jolla Shores / Difficulty: Wildcard
The 10 Mile swim can be done as a relay, with a team or solo. We recommend that if planning to compete solo get proper coaching and training, as it is a big effort. While none of us at Noodle Bagz HQ have undertaken that we have swam this race as a relay team. The 10 mile swim in La Jolla Shores is a fantastic day made more enjoyable swimming with your mates. Swimming is a very individual sport, and this race offers something a little different. 2 Buoys are set out in the water in what is essentially a large triangle, measuring one mile. You can break it up anyway you like with up to 4 people per team. It really is a great day out on the beach with everyone cheering on those in the water. It is the perfect swim to end summer.
Keen on joining or already signed up for one of these swims? Shoot us an email and we’ll get you some Noodle Bagz to rock on the day.
kalei@noodlebagz.com