I’m a Kona girl ,I don’t mean that in the IM way, I mean it in the grew up here and currently live here way. So I got myself a slot in the Escape from Alcatraz this year, and as you can probably guess I don’t do much (or any) cold water swimming. I’m flying to SF 2 days before the race which doesn’t leave much time for acclimation. One of the top USMS swimmers has advised me that she thinks either a) you swim in cold water regularly and thus become used to it, or b) its a one shot thing and let the adreniline carry you through. Her theory that some cold water swimming (but not enough to acclimate just makes a swimmier not want to get in. Any thoughts? I’m particularly concerned with the fact that there is no warm up for this race as I usually swim 300-500 as a warm up for a race…kj
You can try cold showers to acclimate.
I’d probably just jump in and go race day. You can go down to aquatic park in SF the days before and swim around a bit if you want to test out the temp and lack of visibility but I don’t think its necessary. The Bay is cold, but shouldn’t be frigid by then (likely high 60’s). I’d just jump in race morning and start swimming, you’ll forget all about the temperature in 2 minutes.
Also you do have a short amount of time to warm up if you get off the boat early. Can easy get a few minutes of good swimming in. See you there!
Good to hear there is some warm up time. I was under the impression that it was jump off the boat and go.
I think usually you swim up to a “start line” and then they blow a horn. The people who get off the boar first get some time, the others just end up swimming from the start. Probably also depends on the current. Others here will know a bit better as I’ve done the swim a few times, but never with Tri California. Its a great swim experience for sure.
One thing that I noticed when I swim in cold water (68 degrees F) is that for the first few minutes, my arms feel like lead pipes. Really stiff and then after about 5 minutes, they are not so bad. Just an FYI.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll try to be off the boat early so I can warm up a bit. Fear is definately a motivator for me in this race. Hopefully that will make for a fast swim…kj
You may find yourself breathing faster. I would say take it easy or your HR will rocket and you may hyperventilate/panic, etc. Maybe try not to go out too fast–I think doing so may hurt more than in warm water. You have a full wetsuit?
There is definitely NO warm up. You jump off the boat in your wave and start swimming like hell to avoid being jumped on. The Entire boat is cleared in like 7 minutes…The water temp is pretty unpredictable and has a few degrees of variability.
Hi KJ:
Actually, the Escape From Alcatraz (Tri California) doesn’t have a warm-up like the “Escape From the Rock” or the Sharkfest do. After the horn, the AG waves go off the boat like paratroopers out of a plane dodging anti-aircraft bursts- fast and sometimes right on top of the person in front of you. (Tip: make friends with the person right behind you while shuffling toward the gunwale and ask them to kindly wait until you bob back up to the surface before they leap. Every year I see folks getting jumped on while they’re coming back up to the surface.)
Here’s my tip; don’t worry about the “cold” water. In any kind of wetsuit, at race pace, with adrenaline, sighting, chop, and all else (yes, even stuff underneath you in the Bay you can’t see), your sense of the water temp will not be an issue. I’m 5’11" 150 lbs. and only use the silicone cap they give you and I’ve never had a problem with temps there or in any California Coast tri.
That said, try not to be in the water more than about 50 minutes or so (so keep training if you’re not there yet). I skin and SCUBA dive here too and will chill in an hour when I’m just kick cruising along even in a 11 mm dive suit with a hood, booties, and gloves.
Speaking of booties, wear some. Not just to keep your feet toasty but to protect against a puncture wound/cut like I got last year. There’s pokey stuff in the sand as you get in near the jetty and beach. I always seem to find it for some reason and now I’m a big aqua sock/bootie fan for open water swims.
Anyway, have a great race; we Bay Area residents are very proud of our scenic triathlons and if it weren’t for doing IM CDA this year, I’d hopefully be Escaping again.
Tim
There is no warm-up. People pile off the boat & go. I would suggest getting a neoprene cap & wear it under your regular cap (Desoto has a good one). You might also try ear plugs (too keep the cold water out of your ears). For me the neoprene cap is enough. Keeping your hear warm is important. Your face, hands & feet will be cold, but you will quickly get used to it. As soon as you jump from the boat, start swimming or those jumping behind you will jump on top of you. Listen to what they say about where to swim & how to sight. The talks are led by experts who have made 100s of Alcatraz swims. Enjoy the experience. It’s not the warm, clear waters of Kona, but it is beautiful in its own way (views of the City, Alcatraz (if you briefly turn over on your back), Marin, etc. as long as there is no fog. Last year the water was like glass & the weather perfect & warm. The year before there were 4 foot waves & it was windy & foggy. Be prepared for both (you may need some warmer clothes for the bike & run). If there are waves, you will want to be able to breathe to the left or you will be getting a lot of water in the face. Good luck & have a great race.
-Tim
Just for the record- I’m not related to the other Tim (that I know of.)
Tim (no W)
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Thanks to both Tims for the info. I plan on wearing earplugs and silicone. I’m a good swimmer, but have never swam in that type of water and don’t even know how to estimate my time. As pointed out conditions vary greatly from year to year so it makes it difficult to judge. I’m confident I’ll be somewhere in the middle of the pack. Truth be told I’m far more concerned with the run as it is my weakness. Hopefully I can shake this cold/athsma and get back to puting in the miles. I have always wanted to do this race and couldn’t pass up the op when I got a lottery spot.
Tim:
No, not brothers unless you changed your name from Scott (my twin) or Mark my younger brother. I do always enjoy passing other Tim’s in the hall or on the street (Hello Tim…Hello Tim- always gets a laugh from others).
-Tim
The Bay is cold, but shouldn’t be frigid by then (likely high 60’s)<<
High 60s? Do you mean Tampa Bay? 
I don’t thnk the SF Bay has ever been that warm.
clm
My wife has been out of town all week and I have been trying the cold shower thing but its not working. What now?
Can’t help your problem, but swimming in a cold lake might not bother you now.
I’m not sure how “cool” it is in Kona now during the nights, but many distance swimmers while getting ready for cold water swims will sleep in very light clothes and no blankets/sheets. And if it’s cool outside they open the windows and let the night air keep them cool. If it’s not that cool at night and you have A/C you might try that with light sleepwear and no blankets. Cools showers and clothes whenever possible might help get your body get used to cooler temps. But again, I don’t know how posible any of this is in HI.
good luck
Maybe that’s just what they told me to try and get me out of my wetsuit last time I did an Alcatraz swim with South End 
I actually do think it gets up to around 65 in the summer. Ocean beach was 60 degrees for a bit last year.