Have to spend a week in Chicago later this month. I’ve noticed the tri folks out swimming just north of Navy Pier in the mornings. I can bring my wet suit along this time and am thinking about giving it a go. Questions (dumb ones maybe), is it warm enough in the lake yet? Any set time people usually gather? Is there anyplace to stash your stuff while in the water? Would appreciate hearing from anyone from the area.
Water doesn’t really get warm until late july, and thats 65 degrees tops. Its gonna be in the low 60’s upper 50’s for a while here. Surface temp was reported at 63 the other day but thats like right at the top…Bring the wetsuit, and check for the bacteria levels after long rains…enjoy
The lake is just getting “swimmable” now. Surface temps in the low 60s. Same as the ocean swim at Ralphs in April. Most people just stash their stuff in a wetsuit bag and hang it on the railing at the start (South end of the breakwall at Ohio Street beach). Here is a link to a map.
http://www.chicagotriclub.com/info/directions/OhioStreetBeach.asp
On any Saturday or Sunday you will find lots of people swimming along the breakwall. Don’t know about mid week stuff.
The Chicago Tri in August is still a cold mother. But, a cool race.
The Chicago Tri in August is still a cold mother. But, a cool race.
I don’t know - when I did the sprint last year I was in the very first wave and the water was positively balmy. Fluke?
No fluke. It gets quite warm in the harbor by the end of august. I’ve raced every year since '97, and it’s been warm every year. There was 1 year where they almost didn’t allow wetsuits.
But June and July are chilly!
But June and July are chilly!
No kidding - I’ll have to start sucking it up pretty soon though