Kona locals: Swim from the pier?

Triathlon Forum
1

Are there certain times in the AM that local groups take off from the pier in Kona? I’ve done the swim a ton of times but always with another person. Wifey doesn’t have as much vacation as I do this year so I’ll be there by myself for several days and would like to tag along with a group. The plan right now is to just wait at the pier and join in but if there are specific times that groups usually go out that info would help.

Thanks in advance,
Jamie

2

There’s usually a 7AM group and an 8AM group.

7AM is more competitive.

If you are swimming between 7 and 9AM, there’s always someone in the water out to the 1500m buoy and the 1.2 mile buoy.

3

Thanks. That’s what I needed to know.

Are the times for weekdays and weekends or just specific days?

Thx,
Jamie

4

The times are pretty much all week, though there are more folks on Saturday and Sunday.

Also, pier is more crowded on Wednesdays, when the cruise ship is in.

Bring a small lock to secure your backpack to the cabling on the shelf, or just lock it with the bike if you ride to the pier.

5

I was living there for 6 months until a couple weeks ago. 7-8:30 is great time to go. Also check out the masters at 6:15am on Mon, Tue and Friday. Someone there might be able to hook you up with someone who swims your pace.

As for locking your bag, I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve never heard of anything go missing there.

6

What time of day does the Coffees of Hawaii catamaran show up? That’s the best time to swim I’ve found because you can hang off the side to catch your breath…

7

Thanks everybody. I’m pretty experienced at swimming @ the pier but would like a partner or 2 so I’ll head down in the AM and ‘size up’ the group at the times you guys have mentioned. I’m aware of the bag/lock situation. I can walk to the pier so I won’t be taking anything more valuable than a towel and some flip flops.

Jamie

8

PM me with your pace and I’ll put you in contact with some swimmers. They’re all really nice, so if you are too you’ll get along great!

9

I appreciate that but I’ll just head to the pier in the AM. I don’t want to make too many plans…I’m on vacation you know! :).

Jamie