Warren Completes New Hybrid "Touch and Go" Alcatraz Swim

“A beautiful day to swim,” — Captain Taylor.

On Saturday, November 12, Odyssey Founder Warren Wallace completed a unique hybrid touch and go Odyssey Alcatraz swim.

What is a Touch & Go Swim?

A traditional “touch and go” Alcatraz swim includes a swim out to Alcatraz Island, “touching” or getting near the island, and returning (“go”) to Aquatic Park in San Francisco.

Warren’s Hybrid Touch & Go

Warren swam to Alcatraz from the mouth of Aquatic Park to Alcatraz Island. He then “rode the flood” from Alcatraz Island to Pier 1 1/2 for the first time, meaning this touch and go utilizes the flood tide after the touch to return to a different finish, Pier 1.5.

Warren’s route from Aquatic Park to Alcatraz Island to Pier 1.5.

“The flood wasn’t as strong as it’ll be when we do it as a group swim so the second “half” took more than twice as long as the first,” says Warren. During a recent Bridge to Bridge swim (6+ miles), swimmers benefited from a “flood ride,” allowing some to finish in just 1:08. The second half of this swim should also help swimmers finish quickly during future swims.

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming swims like this hybrid Touch and Go Alcatraz Swim!