General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Open Water Swim in October Rss Feed  
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2010-10-17 8:37 PM

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Subject: Open Water Swim in October
Hi all!
Anybody know where there is open water swimming near Greenville, SC this time of year?

Just Curious,
Sue


2010-10-18 8:57 PM
in reply to: #3156999

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Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October
Open Water Swims at Lake Hartwell 

* Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm, from Crew Beach in Clemson
* Kayak support through peak season (late May)

Two differences this year: 

* The cooler of drinks is back!  It will be stocked with water and sports drinks, and is sponsored by the Upstate Tri Club.
* Weather updates will be posted on Twitter, as well as email.  Follow "lakeswims" on Twitter to receive these updates.

Details:


When:  The lake swims are on Wednesday evenings, from April through October. There are two start times: 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm. Plan to show up at the lake 10-15 minutes before that, as everyone will be in the water & swimming at the start time.  You are welcome to swim in either wave, or both.

Where:  We swim from East Beach (aka crew beach) on Lake Hartwell in Clemson. This is directly across the lake
 from the site of the Clemson triathlon. It is also the site of the Death Valley open-water swim race. 

Directions: Driving directions from Greenville or Anderson: as you approach Clemson on either Rt 28/76 or Hwy 123, exit onto Rt 93.  Turn left onto 93 and drive for about 2 miles, passing the main part of Clemson's campus and then the football stadium on your left.  Shortly after passing the stadium and the Esso Club, turn left onto Perimeter Rd.  After turning onto Perimeter, make an immediate right onto East Beach Drive.  This turn is marked with a sign for "Clemson Rowing".  Follow this road for about half a mile, ending with a steep hill.  Park in the parking lot at the top of the hill. If you want to use Google Maps to get driving directions, you can use this link: <
 http://maps.google.com/maps?q=34.677,+-82.855+(East%20Beach)&iwloc=A&hl=en>. 

Weather:
 We will swim in the rain, but not if there is lightning.  Weather updates will be posted to "lakeswims" on Twitter, and sent by email to anyone who has RSVPed for that week's swim.

Route: Most people swim out and back along the shoreline / dike, towards a radio tower that makes a good sighting target. How far you swim is up to you.  Many will swim ~800 m out and ~800 m back. Others will swim shorter distances.  Some will do multiple 1.6 km loops. You can practice swimming straight, sighting, drafting, or whatever you want. It's all up to you. Here is a Google map of the route: < 
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/united-states/sc/clemson/332545468>.

What to bring:
 Bring your goggles and swim suit, tri suit, and/or wetsuit. A wetsuit is mandatory in March, highly recommended in April, optional in May, not advised from June through September, becoming optional again in October.  Unfortunately, we don't have access to a changing room or restroom, so plan ahead. 

Support:
 In the early season (April and May) there will be one or more kayakers present as a safety escort.  If you expect kayak support, please start on time. If you start late, the safety boaters will assume you are not with the group.  Kayak support is entirely dependent on volunteers.  The Upstate Tri Club will sponsor a cooler of drinks: water and Gatorade will be provided to help you rehydrate after the swim.

Post-swim Socializing:
 A crowd often assembles at Mellow Mushroom in Clemson after the swim for dinner.

Safety Notes:  The kayakers are there to make us more visible to boaters, but they can't be right next to each of us at all times. Please help them out by staying close to shore and not venturing too far into the middle of the lake.  A brightly colored swim cap helps to make you more visible.  When no kayakers are present, buddy up and don't swim alone. Above all, take responsibility for your own safety and realize that you are swimming at your own risk!
2010-10-28 9:19 PM
in reply to: #3156999

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Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October

Thank you for this post--although October is ending. I will keep this info and plan for the next season. This sounds like the safest way to prepare for open water swim for beginner triathletes.

 

Stay Mellow,

Sue

2011-03-14 2:29 PM
in reply to: #3156999

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Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October
It looks like the open water swims will start back April 7.
2011-03-14 2:59 PM
in reply to: #3156999

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Pelzer, SC
Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October
Update... It's April 6th.
2011-03-14 3:08 PM
in reply to: #3397375

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Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October

TROGDOR - 2011-03-14 3:59 PM Update... It's April 6th.

 

That is correct. I am still planning to wait until the water warms up above 70 anyway.



2011-03-14 4:52 PM
in reply to: #3156999

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Pelzer, SC
Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October
I'm ready to dust off the wetsuit. I may be at the first one.
2013-08-21 9:46 AM
in reply to: pschriver

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Greer, SC
Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October
Is this group still meeting? If so please send me details on who I need to contact to join??

Thanks
2013-08-21 10:11 AM
in reply to: fitmomsc

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Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October
I haven't been in a while and the numbers really fall off during the summer but I am fairly certain they are still swimming. The rain has really cooled off the lake so a wetsuit may be OK. You don't have to sign up. You just show up and swim. They try to go off in a group but it breaks up pretty quickly so if you can buddy up it helps.
2013-08-21 10:51 AM
in reply to: fitmomsc

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Expert
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Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October
this time of year its really hit or miss. some people swim at 5.. some at 6... just depends who shows up. i haven't been in a while but will be starting up again since the rest of my races are all OWS
2013-08-23 7:43 PM
in reply to: drsues

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Subject: RE: Open Water Swim in October


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