Pacific Open Water Swim Co.

Professional Pilots on Lake Tahoe

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Information

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?

Depending on the course you are swimming will determine where you meet the boat for your swim. We will provide you with logistics information prior to your swim regarding parking, swim start, and swim finish.

Length Swims
Length swims meet our boat and start in South Lake Tahoe at Camp Richardson. The boat returns to Camp Richardson after the swim.

True Width and Vikingsholm Swims
Swimmers will meet the boat and be returned to Homewood, CA on the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

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.

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 of each Lake Tahoe swim?

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.

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.

You can also view the results of past swims by course here.

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 or training swim and not a marathon swim?

Yes! We pilot adventure and training 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.

Type of Swims

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.

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 or training swim and not a marathon swim?

Yes! We pilot adventure and training 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.

Lake Tahoe Conditions

What is the water temperature?

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

For the Lake Tahoe marathon swim season, expect water temperatures in the range of 63ºF/17.2ºC to 68ºF/20ºC.

Our marathon swim season in Lake Tahoe is mid-July thru mid- to late-August. We have carefully selected dates to pilot swims on Lake Tahoe to ensure all of our swimmers have the best chance of success. Our window for swims tend to be consistently favorable in terms of weather, water and air temperatures.

In June and early July, water temperatures may still be too cold for some distance swimmers with water temperatures when water temperatures can be below 60ºF/15.8ºC. By mid-July, the longer, warmer days help warm the surface temperature of the lake to the mid-60's (17º-20ºC).

Past mid-August unfavorable and unpredictable weather patterns are more prevalent. Coupled with cooler days and nights, air temperatures can also play a factor with September air temps dipping below 32ºF/0ºC at night.

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.

We have carefully selected dates to pilot swims on Lake Tahoe. As a result, the number of swims we offer is limited to ensure all of our swimmers have the best chance of success. Our window for swims tend to be consistently favorable in terms of weather, water and air temperatures.

In June and early July, water temperatures may still be too cold for some distance swimmers with water temperatures when water temperatures can be below 60ºF/15.8ºC. By mid-July, the longer, warmer days help warm the surface temperature of the lake to the mid-60's (17º-20ºC).

Past mid-August unfavorable and unpredictable weather patterns are more prevalent. Coupled with cooler days and nights, air temperatures can also play a factor with September air temps dipping below 32ºF/0ºC at night.

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!

Will swimming at altitude affect me?

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

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE Lake Tahoe or dismiss her as a big pool!

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.

During Your Swim

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 Skratch, 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.

During a marathon swim attempt, the swimmer is not to make contact with the boat or any supporting vessel or person nor may they use any assistance (hanging on the line or pole).

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.

Please bring at least 2 pair of clear and 2 pair of tinted goggles for your swim!

Will swimming at altitude affect me?

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

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE Lake Tahoe or dismiss her as a big pool!

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.

Swim Support

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.

The boat will have a United States Coast Guard licensed Captain* and the Observer from the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association (if an observed marathon swim).

For Length swims, two crew members are allowed in your swim fare. For True Width and Vikingsholm swims, one crew member is permitted in your swim fare. Additional crew/guests may be permitted for an additional fee.

*By law, the Length swims require TWO licensed captains unless you are able to make the 21.3-mile swim in under 9 hours.

Do I need a kayaker?

We find kayaks unnecessary on Lake Tahoe for swim attempts. Crew and swimmer alike love our skilled captains and larger, comfortable boats for navigating the course and the provided feed/support from the swim platforms.

It’s quite an upgrade from the small ski boat & kayaker scenario which often end up costing quite a bit more and prove to be a hassle.

Where can I find a kayak or kayaker?

We find kayaks unnecessary on Lake Tahoe for swim attempts. Crew and swimmer alike love our skilled captains and larger, comfortable boats for navigating the course and the provided feed/support from the swim platforms. It’s quite an upgrade from the small ski boat & kayaker scenario without any of the associated hassle or cost.

If you absolutely must use a kayak, we can discuss providing a kayak and/or an experienced kayaker 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 to travel with you. We have experienced swim crew services to take care of your feeds and needs during your swim.

We have had a number of swimmers simply arrive alone and have all of their marathon swim needs met during their attempt. In fact, quite a few 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.

Rules

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
  • Only a simple timekeeping device may be worn by the swimmer; no smartwatches or GPS watches (Garmin, Suunto, etc.) may be worn.
  • 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 all-volunteer board of 7 members from the open water swim community with strong leadership, and the commitment to uphold the integrity in oversight, organization, and record-keeping that had been sorely lacking on Lake Tahoe for decades.   The LTOWSA 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 either as an "Assisted" swim observed and documented by the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association with results published and recognized, or simply as an adventure swim.

Can I use a swim (tow) float?

No.

Recognition

Will my swim be official?

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.

Results for swims under the Association can be found here.

Do I get a certificate for my swim?

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.

Results for swims under the Association can be found here.

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
04:43:10 - Jorge Angel - August 2, 2019

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

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

Training

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 to acclimate to colder water temperatures.

Contact us with questions and 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.

Booking

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. Please contact us if you are interested in a specific course or date if our calendar shows it is no longer available.

We will notify you if a swimmer cancels or reschedules and the course or date you desire becomes available. You will need to complete a booking contract and pay any fees associated for the swim.

Do you have a refund policy?

Yes, our policies regarding refunds, rescheduling, and transferring swims to another swimmer can be found in your booking contract with us.

Swimmers do have the option of transferring their swim to another swimmer, rescheduling to another date or year to mitigate loss of funds paid.

To modify or cancel your 2020 Lake Tahoe swim, you must contact us via the form on our cancellation page here on SwimTahoe.com or in writing (PO Box 566 Mill Valley, CA 94942). The date of form submission (Pacific Standard Time) or postmark will be considered the date of notification if penalty fees are to be assessed.

Please see our FAQ's for Swim Cancellations and Modifications for more information.

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

Our policies regarding cancellations, rescheduling, and transferring swims to another swimmer can be found in your booking contract with us.

To modify or cancel your 2020 Lake Tahoe swim, you must contact us via the form on our cancellation page here on SwimTahoe.com or in writing (PO Box 566 Mill Valley, CA 94942). The date of form submission (Pacific Standard Time) or postmark will be considered the date of notification if penalty fees are to be assessed.

Please see our FAQ's for Swim Cancellations and Modifications for more information.

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 a 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) for my Lake Tahoe swim?

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.

We do have a shared "swimmer's house" for the prime weeks of the 2020 season. If you are interested in this option, please contact us.

Depending on the course you are swimming will determine where you meet the boat for your swim.

Length Swims
Length swims meet our boat and start in South Lake Tahoe at Camp Richardson. Staying in South Lake Tahoe is often most convenient and most economical. The boat returns to Camp Richardson after the swim.

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.

True Width and Vikingsholm Swims
Swimmers will meet the boat and be returned to Homewood, CA on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Booking a hotel in Tahoe City or finding a place to stay between Meeks Bay and Tahoe City would be ideal. Often, swimmers do not like making the drive from South Lake Tahoe over the narrow and winding road above Emerald Bay in the early hours of the morning to meet the boat.

Considering camping?
For west shore locations, visit the West Shore Association of Lake Tahoe for recommendation and information.  For South Lake Tahoe, please visit Camp Richardson.

Do you provide boats for the Trans Tahoe Relay?

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