2009-06-07
Pleasant Swim June 6
A great crowd turned out for Event #2 of the Arizona Open Water Series yesterday and I was so happy to be there. I didn't get the final count, but I'm going to guess we had very close to 200 swimmers, mostly Masters, making it the largest Masters event in our state to date this year. There were an additional 180 triathletes there doing the Tribal sprint triathlon, so it was a very good overall showing at Lake Pleasant northwest of Phoenix.The setting and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. We lit out of Tucson at 4:45 a.m. to arrive lakeside at 7:20 for the 8:00 start. It was overcast and about 80 degrees out. As we made our final approach to the lake, we passed the last of the cyclists riding at us, and the first of the runners heading our same direction back toward the lake. It was fun to watch the fastest triathletes cross the finish line as we were checking in for the swim.
We got in to warm up about 15 minutes before the start of the 4K. The water was PERFECT. Someone said about 77 degrees. Not even the slightest chill to it. It was clear and clean and calm...the kind of water that makes you want to swim forever.
Why anyone would wear a wetsuit in those conditions is beyond me, but once again I'd say the field was divided about evenly between wetsuits and skins, 4K and 2K.
The course was counterclockwise around 5 bright yellow buoys, twice for the 4K, with in-water start and finish. I had no body contact the whole time, except once around a buoy when an arm dropped onto me. It was just a nice, long swim. The wetsuit division, which left 5 minutes before us, allowed me to engage my passing gear off and on the whole way, which made for a rather nice work out. There were no currents and the water remained pretty flat until the last 20 minutes or so, when the wind created a small amount of chop for the final stretch.
Afterward, we were offered bananas and muffins and lots of great raffle prizes were awarded, including wetsuits, beach cruisers, and other stuff. The event was well run and the venue was superb. I've done races in different parts of this lake before and I preferred this one by far. The boat ramp made entry and exit very easy.
Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed this event. And for those of you who missed it...you have three more opportunities in 2009, thanks to the folks at DCB Extreme Adventures. The series continues on September 19 back at Saguaro Lake. Give it a try! For more information, visit www.dcbadventures.com.
Labels: arizona, masters swimming, open water
2009-04-01
Arizona Open Water Series Update
Pool swimmers, it’s time to rebel and revel: The lakes in and around Phoenix are warming up and online registration is now open for the 2009 Arizona Open Water Series at www.dcbadventures.com.The series will offer five Open Water swim competitions, with choice of 2K and 4K distances (1.2 or 2.4 miles). The swims will be held on May 2 at Saguaro Lake, June 6 at Lake Pleasant, September 19 at Saguaro Lake, October 17 at Lake Pleasant and November 15 at Tempe Town Lake, all near Phoenix.
All events are officially sanctioned by USA-Swimming and US Masters Swimming and are open to both registered Age Group and Masters swimmers.
DCB Extreme Adventures has put together a generous series for us in 2009, one we hope will grow and thrive. So whether you're a Masters swimmer, an Age Group swimmer, a Triathlete or just someone who likes to get out there, come on out and show your support.
Our beautiful state offers some of the best recreational lakes in the country and we look forward to hosting swimmers from all over the U.S. who are looking to extend their open water swimming season from Spring to late Fall.
Arizona is well known for its magnificent desert landscapes, but few people outside the area know about the many scenic lakes within a 40 mile drive of Phoenix. We aim to change that.
Phoenix area lakes offer vast, clear surface water created by the rivers feeding the Phoenix area. Each of the Phoenix lakes offers an abundance of lake fun including boating, sailing, and fishing, water skiing, swimming and camping enjoyment. Some lakes offer RV parks for traveler convenience. Some lakes offer picturesque mountainous scenery, large stands of Saguaro Cactus with beautiful desert views with spectacular wildflowers during the spring.
Lake Pleasant
A short scenic drive 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix is the second largest of the Phoenix area lakes offering over 10,000 acres of fresh, clear blue water. Located in the vast Lake Pleasant Regional Park just north of Sun City and West Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is filled by the Agua Fria River flowing from the north cool country of Northern Arizona. Lake Pleasant provides marina facilities, large boat ramps, campgrounds and RV parks.
Saguaro Lake
Picturesque Saguaro Lake is about 40 miles northeast of Phoenix and the Scottsdale area. Saguaro Lake offers special views, canyon walls and excellent boating fun. The Saguaro Lake Marina offers boat mooring, boat rentals, a restaurant and picnic facilities. Saguaro Lake is a sister lake of Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt Lake which are all created along the Salt River which becomes a dry river bed as it flows through Phoenix.
Tempe Town LakeSet adjacent to Tempe's Mill Avenue District, Arizona State University and the 2,000 acre Papago Park, Tempe Town Lake is a regional and national destination, welcoming millions each year. Recognized as a top attraction in Arizona, visitors and local families spend their time enjoying nature, recreational activities, and cultural events. The two-mile lake was constructed out of a dry riverbed of the Rio Salado and opened in 1999. Today, it is home to more than 2000 rowers and 100 annual events, including the Ford Ironman.
I've registered, have you?
Labels: arizona, lakes, masters, open water, swimming
