"How Long Do I Have to Finish the Alcatraz Swim?" Answers from Odyssey Open Water Swimming
The Odyssey Alcatraz swim is a world-famous swim that Odyssey hosts throughout the year, both for private and public groups. This year, there are four public Alcatraz swims. For safety purposes and to follow guidelines and restrictions, each public Alcatraz swim will be limited to 30 participants.
Due to the closing of many local pools and the rise in demand for outdoor activities, more people are joining us and showing interest in swims than ever before. We couldn’t be more excited to have you join us for a swim!
We recently received the following question: “How long (do) they give you to swim from Alcatraz to The St Francis Yacht Club?”
Expert swim guide Taylor Hurt, who has led hundreds of swims for Odyssey, replied. “(There are) so many factors to take into account, like how far past the finish line have you drifted, is there a regatta down current to avoid, is there a safe landing beyond the finish line, etc.” Taylor stressed that Odyssey’s goal is to always “let you finish unaided if at all possible!” We are patient and supportive throughout your swim. “We want you to experience the joy of completing the swim, but we also have to consider your safety,” says Taylor.
The number of escort kayakers we have on hand for a particular swim may also impact how much time is given to complete a swim. “Depending on the number of escort kayaks, we may dedicate one paddler to stay with a swimmer who needs a little more time to complete the swim, or we may relocate the swimmer to a safer and more advantageous location where hitting the finish line is more likely,” says Taylor.
Taylor mentioned that he has been privileged to escort a wide range of amazing athletes, including athletes who are blind, deaf, double amputees, children, those who are a little older than the average swimmer, organ transplant recipients, water polo Olympians who swam with their ball, and many others.
Although we do not always have a hard cut-off time, one may be given based on the conditions on the day of the swim. Your safety is our primary concern, and your fun and success is a close second.