Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I swim in Lake Tahoe?

Aside from the three marathon swim courses we pilot, there are many great spots on Lake Tahoe to swim.

We're happy to help answer questions and point you to some great swim areas on the lake. We'll also have some pleasure swims (1-hour guided swims) over the summer that we don't post on our booking calendar. Please contact us for more information.

Lake Tahoe has a great deal of boat and jet ski traffic and sadly, most boaters simply aren't watching for swimmers in the water. If you aren't swimming in a protected area, please consider having a kayak or boat guide.

Where do the swims take place?

For most of the swims, we meet at Camp Richardson, our home base in South Lake Tahoe. Here we will provide you with a parking pass, go over your swim details, safety briefing, and take care of any last minute items.  We will motor you to the start of your swim and return you to Camp Richardson after the completion of the swim.

Please view the course description page for each swim which includes helpful information such as distance, estimated duration (time) of the swim, location start and finish, and course notes.

• Length 21.3-Miles / 34.3-Km
• True Width 12-Miles / 19.3-Km
• Vikingsholm 10.6-Miles / 17.1-Km

If you have any other questions about swimming in Lake Tahoe (marathon or just for fun), please feel free to contact us.

What’s the distance?

There are three officially recognized coursed on Lake Tahoe for marathon swimming. The course description page for each swim includes helpful information such as distance, estimated duration (time) of the swim, location start and finish, and course notes.

• Length 21.3-Miles / 34.3-Km
• True Width 12-Miles / 19.3-Km
• Vikingsholm 10.6-Miles / 17.1-Km

If you have any other questions about swimming in Lake Tahoe (marathon or just for fun), please feel free to contact us.

Can I swim the course in the opposite direction?

Yes, if you like. Please discuss with us as we can tell you the pros and cons of swimming a specific course in the opposite direction.

How long will my swim take?

There are three officially recognized coursed on Lake Tahoe for marathon swimming. The course description page for each swim includes helpful information such as distance, estimated duration (time) of the swim, location start and finish, and course notes.

• Length 21.3-Miles / 34.3-Km
• True Width 12-Miles / 19.3-Km
• Vikingsholm 10.6-Miles / 17.1-Km

If you have any other questions about swimming in Lake Tahoe (marathon or just for fun), please feel free to contact us.

What if I want to swim a different route or course than listed?

We are happy to discuss piloting any swim course but defer to the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association for recognizing marathon swims and courses on Lake Tahoe.

We do pilot adventure swims and non-marathon swims on the lake for those simply looking to get out for a safe and fun relaxing swim.

Can I do a low-key pleasure swim and not a marathon swim?

Yes! We pilot adventure swims all the time. We give the same high level of commitment to your safety whether you are looking to swim for an hour or 24 hours.

Contact us for availability on Lake Tahoe as we don't post these on the booking calendar.

What is the Trans Tahoe Relay?

The Trans Tahoe Relay is a relay race organized by the Olympic Club. Race information for 2019 can be found here.

How many people can I have on my relay?

Relay teams may have 2-6 people. All members of the relay team must adhere to the marathon swim rules as defined by the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association.

How do relays work?

Relays are fun! In a nutshell -

• A relay may consist of 2-6 swimmers
• All swimmers must conform to marathon swim rules (no wetsuits, no neoprene)
• Swimmers swim in a fixed order and the order may not change.
• Each swimmer swims a 1-hour shift (leg)
• Swimmers may not shorten or extend their shifts

For the complete set of rules, please visit the Rules page at the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association.

Are tandem swims allowed?

Yes, tandem swims of two solo swimmers swimming simultaneously off the same boat on the same course are allowed but must be approved.

Tandem swimmers must be equal in speed and have experience swimming together over long distances. At least one kayak and kayaker are required for a tandem swim and additional fees will apply.

Are two-way (round-trip) swims allowed?

Yes, two-way (round-trip) swims are allowed for solo, tandems, and relay teams. Depending on the course, additional hours or days may need to be booked in order for us to conform to United States Maritime Laws.

An additional Observer may be needed from the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association as well.

If you are interested in a two-way swim, please contact us to discuss the course and availability.

Can I do a low-key pleasure swim and not a marathon swim?

Yes! We pilot adventure swims all the time. We give the same high level of commitment to your safety whether you are looking to swim for an hour or 24 hours.

Contact us for availability on Lake Tahoe as we don't post these on the booking calendar.

What is the water temperature?

Real-time water temperature in Lake Tahoe - see "Water Temp 0.5m"

The prior winter's snowfall and subsequent runoff impacts how long it takes for the lake to warm-up. In 2017, we had a heavy winter and as such, in July and August we could still see some snow on the surrounding mountains and water temperatures hovered in the 66-67F (18.8-19.4C) range in August with cooler waters in July.

In 2018, we had mild amounts of snow and by summer, little to no snow could be seen and water temperatures were in the upper 60's with some swimmers getting 68-72F (20-22C) water temperatures their entire swim.

In June and early July, water temperatures may still be too cold for some distance swimmers with water temperatures still in the mid to upper 50'sF (12-15C).

When is the best time to swim in Lake Tahoe?

The best time for a marathon swim in Lake Tahoe is mid-July thru mid- to late-August.

In June and early July, water temperatures may still be too cold for some distance swimmers with water temperatures still in the mid to upper 50'sF (12-15C). By mid-July, the longer, warmer days help warm the surface temperature of the lake to the mid-60's (17-20C). By late August, winds can be more unpredictable, coupled with cooler days and nights.

Are there currents?

Yes! Lake Tahoe has two major gyres and numerous smaller gyres that disappear and reappear depending on the winds. These gyres can push and pull a swimmer, forward, backwards, or laterally. Combine this with upwelling and winds, and Lake Tahoe will tell you she is not a simple lake to conquer.

What conditions should I expect?

Train for the worst and hope for the best!

Conditions range from flat and glassy to windy with white caps and chop. Portions of the lake have interesting gyres, coupled with upwelling that can toss a swimmer around.

Lake Tahoe is not a simple lake. Do not dismiss her as such. 

You can expect to swim in the dark and hopefully in sunny weather as well!

What about altitude?

Lake Tahoe is 6,225 feet above sea level. The altitude can wreak havoc with some swimmers!

Complaints range from headaches, nausea, lack of appetite, gas, leg or muscle cramps while swimming. Swimmers have also experienced vomiting, disorientation (especially during night swimming) and shortness of breath.

To mitigate the impact of altitude, many swimmers choose to arrive four days early to allow their body to acclimate. Others arrive the night before and swim the next day, hoping to get the swim done before the impact of altitude really hits them.

What should I bring on the swim?

All of your gear for the swim - swimsuit, goggles (clear and tinted), earplugs, cap, sunscreen, feed bottles, feed(s).

We do have extra goggles, caps, feed items and bottles on the boat and we provide the lights for your cap and back of the swimsuit. We also have over-the-counter medications (Advil, Tylenol, Gas-X, Pepto, etc.) in case you request them.

For your feeds, we recommend having the first few feeds mixed and ready to go in your feed bottles. For the remaining feeds, bring a 1-gallon jug of water and instructions on what you want mixed or have your feeds mixed in 1-gallon jugs and ready to pour into your feed bottles.

We do have a microwave on the boat to prepare warm feeds.

Do bring a towel and clothes to change into after your swim.

What should I feed on?

Everyone is different! What works for others may not work for you.

It is important to train using feeds that you plan on using the day of your swim. Also, what works in hours 1-5 may not agree with you hours 6+.  Use your training time to train your stomach too!

Electrolytes are important in Lake Tahoe due to the altitude and fresh water. We've found Drip Drop to be a favorite and helpful to swimmers in staving off leg cramps. We recommend loading up on electrolytes days in advance of your swim.

Powder feeds such as CarboPro and UCan are popular with marathon swimmers as are gels such as Gu. Some swimmers like to add in more "real" foods - such as applesauce pouches, soup broths, soft cookies, or our favorite - Ho Hos! Ginger Ale and Coke are handy to help with an upset stomach.

We recommend having the first few feeds mixed and in their bottles and ready.  For the remaining feeds, bring a 1-gallon jug of water and instructions on what you want mixed or have your feeds mixed in 1-gallon jugs and ready to pour into feed bottles.

We do have a microwave on each boat to prepare warm feeds.

Remember, on a marathon swim you want your feeds to be quick (under 30 seconds) and it's fine to pass on a feed if your stomach is bothering you or you just aren't hungry.

How do I feed during the swim?

Feeds can be done from a pole with a net or from a line. We have both on our boats to use. We find the pole works best but ultimately the choice is up to the swimmer.

Can you get seasick while swimming in a lake?

Yes, yes, YES.

Altitude, rough water, swimming at night, dehydration, and feeds can all play a factor in a swimmer vomiting.

We do carry over-the-counter medications for stomach ailments, GI distress, gas, and other ailments on the boat if requested by the swimmer.

Do I need to grease?

Some people like 'grease' -  vaseline or Aquafor - to prevent chafing on long swims.

In Lake Tahoe, protection from the sun is extremely important and many swimmers use zinc cream or equivalents such as Desitin all over and vaseline in the areas that chafe (armpits, groin area, straps, neck).

Please note, we do not allow lanolin on our boats! It is extremely messy, sticky, and difficult to remove from the surfaces of the boat.

Will I have to swim in the dark?

Yes, all three courses have some element of swimming in the dark. We do provide the lights for your cap and tail in addition to lighting for our escort vessels and any other support vessels.

The Length has swimmers swimming through the night. The lake is very wide and the swimmer doesn't always have a stable horizon line to sight on. This can be problematic for some, causing severe vertigo and vomiting.

True Width and Vikingsholm swims have at least an hour of darkness at the onset of the swim.

What about altitude?

Lake Tahoe is 6,225 feet above sea level. The altitude can wreak havoc with some swimmers!

Complaints range from headaches, nausea, lack of appetite, gas, leg or muscle cramps while swimming. Swimmers have also experienced vomiting, disorientation (especially during night swimming) and shortness of breath.

To mitigate the impact of altitude, many swimmers choose to arrive four days early to allow their body to acclimate. Others arrive the night before and swim the next day, hoping to get the swim done before the impact of altitude really hits them.

How many people can I have on my boat?

Our boats are large but can quickly become small when packed with swim gear, feeds, and bags for support crew. Add in a kayaker and we've got quite a party!

The boat will have a Captain and first mate (who can also crew for the swimmer), and Observer. We recommend no more than 1-2 support crew (optional).

Do I need a kayaker?

We find them unnecessary on Lake Tahoe for most solo and all relay swims, specifically on the True Width and Vikingsholm courses.

At least one kayak is required on a tandem swim and kayaks are optional for Length swims.

Kayaks rent for ~$40/hour and many shops around Tahoe will not rent overnight. We can provide a kayak and/or an experienced kayaker if needed for an additional fee with advanced notice.

Where can I find a kayak or kayaker?

We can provide a kayak and/or an experienced kayaker if needed for an additional fee with advanced notice. We also have access to a network of experienced Lake Tahoe kayakers for hire.

Kayaks rent for ~$40/hour and some shops around Tahoe will not rent overnight. Swimmers are responsible for delivery and return of kayak rentals.

How can I get a support crew?

It can be expensive and challenging to have support people travel with you. We have experienced swim crew available at reasonable rates to take care of your feeds and needs.

In 2018 we had a number of swimmers arrive alone and have all of their marathon swims needs met by our experienced crew. In fact, some have asked us to travel to their next swim!

Can the Observer be my crew?

The Observer is present to observe and log the swim and to ensure that all rules are followed. They are not there to act as support crew.

Please contact the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association with questions regarding swim rules, observation, recording, and ratification.

What are the rules for a marathon swim in Lake Tahoe?

Simplified, the rules for marathon swimming are -

• Standard swim costume, one swim cap (silicone or latex), goggles - no neoprene anywhere
• Once you start your swim, you may not touch or have supporting contact with the boat, support vessels, or other persons - even during feeds
• The swim starts at the designated location according to the Course rules with the swimmer clear of the water and in view of the Observer
• The swim finishes when the swimmer clears the water at the designated finish location as defined by the Course rules and in view of the Observer

For the complete set of rules, please visit the Rules page at the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association.

What is the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association?

The Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association is an unbiased board of 9 open water swim members, strong leadership with integrity, and is current with the state of California in their standing as a California Public Benefits Corporation and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 Non-Profit.

The Association provides observers that are truly independent of the swimmer (not the parent, paid coach, spouse, etc.) to ensure that your swim stands up to any scrutiny. All swim logs and data are reviewed by the swim ratification committee - none of whom could have been on the boat during the swim - to provide true objectivity before a swim is ratified and posted.

As swimmers and pilots, we believe your swim deserves this level of professionalism and integrity.

For full disclosure, we do serve on the board of LTOWSA but do not serve on the sub-committees where there would be a conflict of interest.

Who is the Observer?

Please contact the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association with questions regarding swim rules, observation, recording, and ratification.

Can I bring my own Observer?

Please contact the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association with questions regarding swim rules, observation, recording, and ratification.

What is a standard swim costume?

A standard 'swim costume' is your basic swimsuit (not a wetsuit, not a technical racing suit).

From the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association Rules:

• Swimsuits are optional and are their use (or lack of use) is at the sole discretion of the swimmer.

• All swimsuits must be porous and made from fabric materials and only one swimsuit may be worn at any time.

• Women’s swimsuits may be in one or two pieces, but must not cover the thighs, legs, neck, or extend past the shoulder. Women may swap between one and two-piece suits during an attempt if the swimsuits meet all of the requirements of Section 2.1.

• Men’s swimsuits must not extend below the thigh or above the waist.

• Swim caps must be standard-style and constructed from latex or silicone. Only one cap may be worn at a time.

Can I wear a wetsuit?

For marathon swims, wetsuits are not allowed. Only a standard swim costume.

If you wish to swim one of the Lake Tahoe marathon-distance courses in a wetsuit, this can be done as a non-sanctioned "adventure" swim which we would be happy to pilot.

Can I use a swim (tow) float?

No.

Will my swim be official?

Please contact the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association with questions regarding swim rules,  observation, recording, and ratification.

Do I get a certificate?

YES - and they are nice!

All successful swimmers who swim under the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association will receive a certificate for their achievement at the end of the swim season, once all swims logs and data are reviewed and ratified.

What are the course records on Lake Tahoe?

The below information is based on historical data from swims prior to 2018 and ratified data from the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association.

Lake Tahoe Length
08:56:17 - Catherine Breed - September 9, 2017

Lake Tahoe True Width
04:48:38 - Anna Biousse Newman - August 27, 2018

Lake Tahoe Vikingsholm
05:07:50 - Scott Kaloust - August 10, 2018

Lake Tahoe Length - Two-Way
22:30:00 - Sarah Thomas - July 19, 2013

How should I train for a marathon swim?

Training for a marathon swim takes dedication and a time. You will want to have a good yardage (or meter) base in the pool for endurance and make any stroke improvements while adding increased time in the open water as temperatures permit.

Contact us with questions and for advice on training plans for open water marathon swims.

Do you provide training plans?

We do work with swimmers who require assistance in planning their training for marathon swims. We offer written plans and training swims in the San Francisco Bay.

Please contact us for more information.

What is the cost?

Please contact us regarding the course (Length, True Width, Vikingsholm) you are looking to swim and if you wish to swim as a solo, two-way, tandem, or relay.

We will call you to discuss available swim dates and pilot fees.

How do I book a swim?

Please see our Booking Process page for instructions.

Can I be waitlisted for a date or course?

Yes, you can request to be waitlisted for a specific course or date if our calendar shows it as no longer available.

A waitlist is available for a $25 fee per date reserved. Waitlist fees are fully refundable or can be applied to a swim. Only one person can be on a waitlist for a given date. If a swimmer cancels or reschedules, the next swimmer on the waitlist will have the opportunity to place a deposit and complete a swim contract to secure the date.

Do you have a refund policy?

Our policies regarding refunds, rescheduling, and transferring swims to another swimmer can be found here.

What if I get injured and need to reschedule my swim?

Our policies regarding refunds, rescheduling, and transferring swims to another swimmer can be found here.

What if my swim is cancelled due to weather?

In the event that your swim is unable to start due to inclement weather, we will do our best to find you another swim date during your stay.

Please note, this may not be possible due to boat or Observer availability. However, we will do our best and look for another date in the same or following season.

Once you start your swim, the swim is "on" and even if the swim is stopped due to weather (i.e. thunder and lightning, high winds) there is no refund or credit towards a future swim.

What are your boats like?

Our boats are top-of-the-line, spacious, and well-appointed with kitchen galley including a microwave and refrigerator, head (toilet), shower, sleeping berth, sun protection, communication and navigation systems.

All boats are optimized for swimming and swim safety - from ease of feeds, visibility for the swimmer, visibility by others for safety, and clear lines for the observer.

Where should I stay (accommodations)?

There are numerous places to stay in and around the greater Lake Tahoe area. Lodging in Lake Tahoe during the summer can be extremely expensive as it is a top vacation area. Houses often rent for thousands of dollars per week and the best rates for hotels book months in advance.

Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe is the where we keep our boats and typically meet and load swimmers and crew.

Camp Richardson is a privately-owned business with a small hotel, cabins, campground, general store, restaurant, and bar. We encourage you to consider booking your stay and supporting this locally owned business and employer.

We are looking at having a shared "swimmer's house" for the prime weeks of the 2019 season. If you are interested in this option, please contact us.

Do you provide boats for the Trans Tahoe Relay?

At this time, we do not as our summer is booked with marathon swims.