Crossing English Bay is a significant physical and mental challenge! All race participants must abide by the safety policy in full.
Tidal and weather activity within the Bay can significantly increase the distance and time you are required to swim. Water temperature can vary over the course depending on the season; swimmers should expect and be prepared for temperatures between 12 C in the channel and up to 22 C near the finish.
Swimmers are required to stay within the bounds of the course path for swift support response. Note the cut-off point to clear the ingress zone is past the shipping channel marker (See Safety Policy) at ~3km into the race ideally swum to swimmers left.
Swimmers will be required to submit proof of swimming ability to VOWSA prior to registration cut-off. All records must be from 2019 or 2020.
The distance trial log may be submitted digitally to BayRace@vowsa.bc.ca, physically to one of the practice swims, or via snail mail PO Box 5063 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 4A9.
This must include at least one of:
- A completed 1 hour distance trial (Link)
- A timed completion of 2 laps of the Kitsilano course at a designated VOWSA practice swim
- Results from a 3 km+ open water swim race.
To adequately prepare yourself for the challenge of completing this race you should be comfortable swimming 1 hour continuously for a MINIMUM of: 3.3 km in a pool (approx. 1:50 min/100m pace) or 3.0 km in open water (a 2:00 min/100m pace).
These minimums are in no way a guarantee of completing the course prior to the race cut-off deadline. As stated, changes to meteorological conditions on the day of the race can significantly increase the ~8km total distance in 4h30m (at minimum a 2:49 min/100m pace). Pace times from the race have been on average 22-60% slower than submitted.
If you have any questions regarding these or any of the policies governing this race contact the race director.