Tiki Swim

September 28, 2014 · Oceanside, CA

Distance: 1.2, 2.4 miles

Replacing the black line in the pool with the buoys in the ocean is a benefit of open water swimming. So why would you swim the same buoys day in and day out until it’s as repetitive as the pool? Rather than swim at the La Jolla Cove one more time this year why not try San Diego’s newest open water swim adventure?

Click here for registration information

pre-race	course	post-race
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Review

First, this race is called the TikiSwim, and it always held in conjunction with the Oceanside Harbor Days. This was the 3rd year of the race, and it gets better each year. I think were about 300 swimmers registered this year, with the majority choosing the 2.4 option. For either distance, you can choose to wear a wetsuit or not.

The pre race for the 2.4 mile option starts at the pier. There’s not a whole lot in the way of pre race activities. The volunteers are awesome. They provide bags for your gear and transport it to the finish.

The 2.4 mile course is well marked and well supported. The only confusion came when entering the harbor, as there was nothing really marking the turn into the harbor. A few swimmers were escorted by a sea lion.

Once in the harbor, you can see and hear the crowd. Volunteers help you up the finish ramp and it’s a super short run across the timing mat. This was the first year they gave out finisher’s medals, and they were pretty cool. Finishers also get a lei and a trucker hat. There’s also a free pancake breakfast for finishers. Family and friends can eat for a $3 donation, which goes to the local firehouse that makes the pancakes.

I will definitely do this race again. It was super fun, and there was great energy.