Does anyone in the Philly area do any open water swimming for practice? If so… where?
In Medford lakes, NJ, there is a small lake that people have used to do open water swims after the guards leave. There are also a few lakes closer to the golf course in Medford that I’ve seen people take a long swim in as well. From Philly, go over the bridge and hit 295 north. Get off at the exit for Tacony bridge, but head for marlton/mt. laurel (can’t remember the exit). Then head towards Medford. I’d look at a map rather than rely on my directions.
It’s a long haul- probably 45 minutes without traffic (you know Jersey and Philly).
I’d say it be worth it once or twice a month. Reason I’d say it’s worth it is because it’s safe, you don’t have to worry about people messing with you “after hours” and the water is decent- no boats to hit you.
Rob
you could always jump in Rancocas creek! or sneak into the resevoir off Cityline and Belmont. Which reminds me - a new event was scheduled in Fairmount Park, then cancelled. I got in touch with the RD and she told me that the fecal count in the Schuylkyll was too high. yuck
seriously, Marlton lake is open in the summer and down in Goucester County, Candle Lake in Washington Township has a swim club.
I’ve done the race that DQ puts on in Marlton the last 2 years. Nice lake, shallow, 1/4 mile across, still water. It’s about an hour from me so it’s definitely do-able.
I guess I was looking, more specifically, for people that do open water swims. I wouldn’t want to go it alone… and, right now… I probably would be. Either of you two interested??? Are you allowed to swim in those lakes without lifeguards? I don’t know the rules when it comes to lake swimming.
Are there any organized open water swim practices?
I would be interested, but I’m also in Colorado until the end of June, then I’ll be back in Jersey. I’m sure there are groups of people interested and/or already organizing them.
I forgot about the lake in Marlton where DQ has the event later in the year. That would be actually good to bike to, swim, and then do a longer bike west to the shore.
Hmmm- think I might be onto something- group training anyone? swim to run brick with a decent warm up?
There is also Atsion Lake (just north of Hammonton). It is probably 45 minutes from Philly, but there are some good biking roads for this neck of the woods.
Rob has an interesting point - bike to Marlton lake, swim, bike back - how about when it gets a little warmer and stops raining?
What about just heading down the Expressway to the shore early in the AM, get in and out before the guards are on duty, grab breakfast, then go for a nice ride or run on the (a) boardwalk?
South Jersey open water swim calendar: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/listings/pages/swim.html
agree with martyg, if you’re gonna drive 45 minutes anyway, just go the extra 5 minutes to the shore. before 10, or after 6, you’re free to go and do what you want in the ocean (at your own risk). during lifeguard hours, you can always swim parallel to the shore. there are countless unbroken stretches (no piers, jettys, etc) where you can swim 1/2 mile or more before turning around, all the while staying within guarded areas. some guards will also let you swim out if you go up and talk to them first and explain that you’re in training, and you’re a very experienced swimmer, etc.
stay towards the southern end of A.C., or even go into ventnor, margate, or longport for the best wide-open stretches.
There is also Atsion Lake (just north of Hammonton). It is probably 45 minutes from Philly, but there are some good biking roads for this neck of the woods.
Rt. 206, baby!!! If you like your roads long and straight, the Pine Barrens are for you. I ride with baggies, and keep a pair of Chucks in my backpack, just in case I have to stop in one of those places … you know the ones … “Hunters Welcome … $1 Bud All Day Sunday … Please Check Your Guns and Knives at the Door”
My best friend lives in Brigantine, so I have the bay or the ocean, plus lots of lakes in Wharton Forest.
French Creek Racing has been running open water swims in the Schuylkill River and other locations for the past 6 years or so. The Schuylkill is generally a very clean body of water and any stigma about the water quality is from decades ago when it used to be polluted. It’s been getting cleaner every year. In 2016, we could generally see 8 feet down to the bottom - great visibility!
Our 2017 plans include:
- 2 coached swims per week from Easter through Halloween. Location is 1 W. Indian Lane, Eagleville, PA.
- Occasional swims at Westtown Lake in West Chester, PA.
- Open water series of 6 races from mid May to early September.
- Other races such as: 1 mile and 5K River Day swims, and an 8 mile marathon swim and relay.
- Polar bear swim and aquathlon on January 1!
More details:
www.frenchcreekracing.com
john@frenchcreekracing.com
Regular updates on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FrenchCreekTriathlon/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Frenchcreekswimtraining/
Sample Registration Page:
https://www.squadup.com/events/french-creek-open-water-training-1
You resurected a 12 year old thread to post info in the off season?
Correct. You can never start marketing too soon.
Also, note that we are doing a race there on 1/1. Should be a nice, cold swim!