General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Open water swimming info Rss Feed  
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2011-05-08 1:53 PM


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Subject: Open water swimming info

My husband and I are new to the triathlon scene. We are looking for cheap/low cost open water swimming locations. If we absolutely have to we will sign up with COMSA, but since we just spent $2000 on a new bike, and $900 on wetsuits for both of us, we are trying to watch costs. We plan to get a state park pass no matter what due to camping, but are there places to swim without having to pay COMSA fees? Any suggestions? BTW, we are located in Highlands Ranch.

TIA!

 



2011-05-08 6:30 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Master
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Highlands Ranch
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
Grant Ranch is not a COMSA site, but the program run there by MHM is drop in fee, punch card or season pass; benefit there is locker rooms with showers available. Also the course at Grant Ranch is a 1500m diamond, compared to the 900m out and back at Chatfield.  Aurora Reservoir might be another option, although thats a bit of a haul from HR, and you'd spend the savings from other fees on gas over the season, I think.

Edited by StMaas 2011-05-08 6:32 PM
2011-05-09 10:49 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info

As Steve says, Aurora Rez is free and has "unlimited" swim hours but the fastest way from the Ranch is on E470 (tolls) and you do have to pay for entry into the park (daily or annual and the state park pass doesn't work).  The water is very clean and chilly.  You also get to routinely swim over huge fish that congregate near the swim lane.

Grant Ranch looks great but I don't think it will be cheaper for you, especially since you are planning on buying a state parks pass.  It's $125 per person for an annual membership or $90 for a 10 session pass.  You can swim five days a week (M,W,F, Sa, Su mornings).  http://www.milehighmultisport.com/open-water-swimming/about/

Gravel Pond will cost you $40 each to join COMSA and you can swim three days a week (Mo, We afternoon/evening and Saturday mornings).  Joining most tri clubs will also get you in.  It's pretty basic.  You get geared up in a staging area, dodging ants, horse crap, and weeds.  A monitor for your group has to be available (not a big deal for COMSA but a pain in the for tri clubs) to monitor swimmer in/out.  The "pond" is 900 meters from end to end and the water is very clean and nice.  Parking can be a pain at times.  Chatfield is a tri playground so it's easy to run or ride after your swim.

Alas, if they allow additional water storage at Chatfield, the Gravel Pond will be going away one day soon anywayFrown...  http://chatfieldstudy.org/proposedalternatives/mapofalternatives.html 

2011-05-09 10:56 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info

Oh, since you are buying a state parks pass you can swim at the Chatfield swim beach during normal hours for free.  There is a swim lane set up.  It's just that the water is kind of gross comparatively speaking.

Bear Creek Lake State Park at 470/Morrison Road has a swim lane.  Not sure if they charge an extra entry fee.

Cherry Creek Reservoir:  how desperate are you?  Your state park pass gets you in after you pay a one time water use fee.  Probably the grossest, sketchiest water of all; no designated swim lane; and you'll fight boat chop on most days.  E-coli alerts galore!



Edited by FF Stock 2011-05-09 10:56 AM
2011-05-11 8:35 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Edgewater, CO
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
Todd that is some great info. Would you mind if I take it and start a sticky with OWS info? The topic seems to come up a lot so we could put everything in one area. Thanks!
2011-05-11 10:24 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info

Yea, I've posted this info a few times I believe so a sticky would be good.  Might be able to glean a little more info from previous threads to add as well.

Would I see some sort of royalty per viewing?



2011-05-11 4:26 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Member
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
Union Reservoir in Longmont is one of my favorite places for open water swimming.  I have swam there, Chatfield, Grant Ranch and Bear Creek Lake State Park.
2011-05-15 7:40 AM
in reply to: #3487878


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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
I live out on Schriever AFB, is there anything not a million miles away for me to practice in?
2011-05-16 12:05 PM
in reply to: #3489244

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Master
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
FF Stock - 2011-05-09 9:56 AM

Oh, since you are buying a state parks pass you can swim at the Chatfield swim beach during normal hours for free.  There is a swim lane set up.  It's just that the water is kind of gross comparatively speaking.

Bear Creek Lake State Park at 470/Morrison Road has a swim lane.  Not sure if they charge an extra entry fee.

Cherry Creek Reservoir:  how desperate are you?  Your state park pass gets you in after you pay a one time water use fee.  Probably the grossest, sketchiest water of all; no designated swim lane; and you'll fight boat chop on most days.  E-coli alerts galore!

Bear Creek does charge an entry fee - it's a city park so your state park pass won't work there, but you can always park across from the gas station on Morrison Rd and just ride on in for free.

2011-05-17 6:28 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
So when can we get in? I have not swam in Colorado. I have my wet suit, but never been in cold water. So I don't know what temps are apropriate and when I can expect to start getting ready.
2011-05-17 8:59 AM
in reply to: #3503244

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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
powerman - 2011-05-17 5:28 AM

So when can we get in? I have not swam in Colorado. I have my wet suit, but never been in cold water. So I don't know what temps are apropriate and when I can expect to start getting ready.


People have been getting in a Grant Ranch for a couple of weeks. My personal rule is never before Memorial Day.


2011-05-17 9:05 AM
in reply to: #3503244

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Master
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Highlands Ranch
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
The rule of thumb for water temps is 50's in May, 60's in June, 70's July-August.  Of course the earlier you start, the better the water feels later...
2011-05-17 8:39 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info

So can you swim in June with "just" a suit? Do you need anything on your hands and feet.. head?

That sounds really cold. Itchin to get in though. I guess I will be doing COMSA at the gravel pit. Don't know anything about it or how many times I can make it up... but I definitely want to get some OWS training in.

2011-05-17 8:49 PM
in reply to: #3505108

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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
powerman - 2011-05-17 7:39 PM

So can you swim in June with "just" a suit? Do you need anything on your hands and feet.. head?

That sounds really cold. Itchin to get in though. I guess I will be doing COMSA at the gravel pit. Don't know anything about it or how many times I can make it up... but I definitely want to get some OWS training in.



You will always need a swim cap when doing OWS - it help people on land make sure you are still swimming. I have never used anything on my hands or feet. Once the water is about 65 or so it isn't bad at all with a wetsuit.

If you think you may only go a few times I would check out Grant Ranch - much more reasonable than getting a state park pass and a COMSA membership.
2011-05-17 9:25 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
^^^ OK wait...  now I'm not getting it... I have to get a State park pass as well as COMSA membership?
2011-05-17 10:59 PM
in reply to: #3505153

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Master
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Highlands Ranch
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info

Yes, State Parks pass to get into Chatfield, COMSA membership to swim under their supervfision at the pond. 

 Grant Ranch, choose your option 



2011-05-18 12:15 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info

^^^ OK, I think I got it now. COSMA says you have to get a $7 day pass which is how much a State park day pass is.

Grant is looking a little better... more days, looks reasonable buying in 5s, shower would be nice for my ride back to Colo spgs. might have to pull the trigger soon.... Hummm... I'm off Friday and only swam once this week....

 



Edited by powerman 2011-05-18 12:25 AM
2011-05-18 12:25 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info

 ...darn.. except I have to wait till after June 1st for week days and get up at the a** crack of dawn to get there.

2011-05-18 9:18 AM
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
Your other option would be Chatfield just at the swim beach. You then just have to get the day pass (not COMSA) and can go whenever the beach is open. You can go out past the ropes and swim around the buoys.

I'll work on getting all this info compiled together in one post and sticky it. I know it is all confusing.
2011-05-18 3:50 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
How long is the swim lane and how long can you go around the bouys. There is a swim beach in Pueblo but I think it is pretty small. I just want to put some times down without the switching directions effecting things.
2011-05-18 4:34 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
If I remember right it's about 50 yards.  I pace it out on the beach.  A good step is about one yard...


2011-05-19 9:47 AM
in reply to: #3487878

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Arvada
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
I am planning on being out at Chatfield Saturday.  Does anybody know the water temperature at Chatfield?  I heard Grant Ranch was 53 degrees last weekend.
2011-05-19 11:35 AM
in reply to: #3507914

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Master
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Highlands Ranch
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
Both Chatfield and Grant Ranch were about 54 last weekend, seems to rise ~2 degrees or so each week

Edited by StMaas 2011-05-19 11:36 AM
2011-05-19 4:47 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
I doubt there's been much if any warming over the last week with no sun and all this rain!
2011-05-31 3:56 PM
in reply to: #3487878

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Subject: RE: Open water swimming info
I was out at Bear Creek Lake Park Monday, May 30th.  I did 6 laps in the swim lane and felt pretty good.  I talked the staff as I was leaving and found out the water temp was 56 degrees.  If I would have known that ahead of time, I might have psyched myself out.
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