Pacific Open Water Swim Co.

Marathon, training, and adventure open water swimming by professional, licensed pilots • San Francisco & Lake Tahoe •

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    • OPEN WATER COACHING
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OPEN WATER COACHING

We know (and are good friends with) some amazing open water swim coaches around the globe for athletes of all levels.

Whether you are looking to get into the open water for the first time or training for a Channel, we would be happy to refer you to coaches and groups to help you achieve your goals.

If you’re just getting started in or around Northern California, contact Suzie Dods or join one of her Intro to Bay Swimming classes… We list her events on our site here or on her own website.

If you’d like to discuss other options, it’s probably best to just get in touch: 415-737-9870 or email us.

REVIEWS

Pacific Open Water Swim Co.
Pacific Open Water Swim Co.
5.0
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Juan Manuel Sende Sanchez
2019-10-11T22:24:13+0000
Great folks so experienced and talented they made a incredible swim even better, I will repeat on my next SF travel for sure.read more
Erin O'Regan
2019-09-30T22:20:33+0000
So thankful and appreciative of Bryan and Pacific Open Water Swim Co. Very professional and yet so fun. So knowledgeable of the water and the bay. Beautiful boat. Clean, comfortable, and welcoming (ask about the black mamba). I was very impressed with Bryan as he appeared to know everyone speaking on the radio which was comforting since I felt like a twig in the water. Thank you Bryan for helping me complete a huge event on my bucket list.read more
Katie Haldeman
2019-09-30T00:43:43+0000
extremely knowledgable, passionate, and flexible team !!
Andrew Thomas
2019-09-19T15:17:08+0000
Very professional folks, could not ask for a better experience. Great attention to safety puts swimmers at ease to enjoy the amazing experience of swimming in/around the beautiful SF Bay! Thanks very much, y'all rock!read more
Agurtzane Domingo
2019-09-03T13:41:28+0000
Muy buena organización. Poder contar con un grupo así, como PACIFIC Open Water Swim, es una buena manera de poder hacer realidad tus sueños. Lo recomiendo al 100%, y espero volver de nuevo algún día. Nuestro patrón Bryan, nos trató muy bien.read more
Kevin Buckholtz
2019-08-30T22:09:14+0000
Exceptionally well organized and safe. The team was a delight to work with and put together a really unique experience for our swimmers. Thank you.read more
Margaret Peet
2019-08-27T02:37:14+0000
Amazing Alcatraz adventure, professional!
Marc D. Glomb
2019-07-27T03:11:39+0000
Open water swimming Royalty
Kate Duder
2019-07-09T22:30:52+0000
Wow - what an amazing morning. I can’t say enough good things about Sylvia and her crew. She put up with months of emails full of questions from me, and helped make sure I was ready for an Alcatraz swim. I’ve been swimming in lakes and oceans my whole life, but this was my first long open water swim in the ocean. The safety briefing was thorough and she told me exactly what to expect. I was so impressed with her ability to read the water and figure out my swimming style, and help me adjust accordingly. The chops were frustrating since they were more than what I was used to, yet she helped me stay calm and focused and to just keep swimming. She is an amazing pilot and cheerleader; I’m not sure I would have made it across if I had used a different organization. I am beyond thrilled, and I’ve already talked to her about which swim to do the next time I’m in San Francisco. Her support and encouragement made all the difference, and I’ll be back again for sure. I’ve been on dry land for six hours and I’m still grinning!read more
Rebecca Dobbins
2019-06-11T22:58:55+0000
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great experience twice in a row with Bryan and Sylvia! I’m a “developing” swimmer and need a little extra direction and encouragement. Thankfully this was second nature to them and they helped me get to my goal of swimming from Alcatraz! They are both extremely knowledgeable and not once did I feel unsafe in any way—despite just a few years ago being afraid of the deep end of the swimming pool! Cannot wait to return for another round of fun swims!read more
Susan A Blew
2019-05-22T04:25:29+0000
Experienced, caring, and knowledgeable. They want you to be awesome - just like your swim, and they are there to make it so.read more
Heidrun Hauksdottir
2019-05-14T03:04:57+0000
Swimming with Sylvia and Brian was an unforgettable experience! They arehighly qualified, trained and professional. Their boat is powerful and nice and we loved the overall experience. Swam from Alcatraz to SFO.read more
Simon Sly
2019-04-24T14:34:23+0000
Completed the Alcatraz swim on the 5th April. Sylvia ensured the swim went without incident even though I had to exit the water at one point to allow a cargo ship to pass, she ensured I re-entered the water at the same point to make sure I competed the swim in full. Was extremely happy with the communication, booking process and the swim itself provided by Sylvia and Bryan and am very glad I chose them. Can’t recommend enough!!read more
Claire Harker
2019-03-18T14:15:12+0000
A fantastic, knowledgeable, and fun team! Sylvia and Bryan were absolutely amazing, and gave our whole team the support and confidence we needed, to make the crossing. An incredible experience...Thank you!read more
Charles Cecil
2019-03-18T05:15:57+0000
Had the pleasure of swimming across from Alcatraz. Sylvia & Bryan were absolutely fantastic - they couldn't have been nicer and we felt in very safe hands. Planning to make this an annual eventread more
Paul Hornyak
2019-01-27T02:44:21+0000
Knowledgeable, attentive and supportive! They will help you with all your Northern California swimming endeavors! Plenty Aloha!read more
Don Augustine
2018-12-14T11:33:48+0000
Great customer service... responsive and helpful as I plan my swimming with them this summer.
Jaime Bahamon
2018-11-24T03:03:59+0000
Best, more knowledgeable and friendly San Francisco Bay (and Lake Tahoe) open water swimming service. You feel welcome and safe, they really make your swim experience super enjoyable. If a swimmer has more serious marathon swimming goals, they will provide expert advice and support. Every swim with Bryan and Sylvia is a great adventure!read more
James Harrison
2018-11-16T17:12:06+0000
Highly recommend swimming with these guys, they really know their stuff, and make it fun. We had a great swim with them :)read more
Jaimie Monahan
2018-11-15T02:46:59+0000
I am based in NYC but have done two swims over two years with Pacific Open Water Swim Co. and can recommend them highly. They are committed to safety, extremely knowledgeable about piloting and the local waters, and their vessels are top-notch. On our recent 10k swim from Golden Gate to Bay Bridge, we even saw humpback whales! Amazing experiences, thank you!read more
Valerie Biousse
2018-08-28T14:01:59+0000
We had the best experience with Sylvia!! We “met” by email and phone 6 months ago and she has been very helpful preparing Anna for her first long marathon swim. What a wonderful team! Highly recommend. Will definitely plan more swim with Sylvia�. Thank you!read more
Megan Littke-Smith
2018-06-14T13:29:39+0000
Sylvia and Bryan came to the rescue when our Sharkfest Alcatraz swim was compromised by heavy winds (legitimate safety concerns) the day prior. They quickly assembled 5 swims that avoided the rough weather, and also meant I got to swim the bay during the sunrise. Bryan gave a 30 minute talk prior to departing about nautical etiquette, marine life, open water swimming and safety which really demonstrated their experience and professionalism. I felt completely safe and taken care of. I was so relieved the Sharkfest swim was moved, so I got to experience the Bay during the sunrise, with 8 other people. It was a completely different experience. Thanks Bryan and Sylvia, I will be swimming with you again!!read more
Sj Loveland
2018-06-12T23:10:27+0000
I loved my Alcatraz swim with these guys. I can't recommend them enough. Bryan and Sylvia were amazing and made me feel looked after and safe. The boat was fab too. Thank you :-)read more
Ranie Pearce
2018-06-12T21:26:24+0000
Pacific Open Water Swim Co. is top drawer! Every time I am fortunate enough to go out for a swim adventure with Sylvia and Brian I have a blast!!! They know the SF Bay, and they know how to have fun!read more
Craig Humann
2018-06-12T04:39:45+0000
After coming all the way from Australia I was really disappointment that the Sharkfest Alcatraz swim was cancelled . But luckily pacific open water swim co came to the rescue . I was able to score a spot on the 6am swim from Alcatraz which was just amazing . The whole package from safety , information and the swim experience was amazing . Well done and thank you .read more
Alexandra Marie
2018-06-11T23:57:21+0000
Cannot day enough wonderful things about Sylvia, Bryan and Christine. When we thought all was lost this weekend we found Pacific Open Water Swim Co. I called Sylvia and explained our situation. Sharkfest Swim from Alcatraz was cancelled and we weren’t going to be able to escape. We had approximately 18 people (participants & spectators) who had traveled near and wide to Escape from Alcatraz. This adventure was a year in the making for some of us. Pacific Open Water Swim Co. moved heaven and earth to get our swim and to keep us together as a group. This was definitely the way to go. The level of professionalism and safety is probably unmatched these days. They were also kind enough to take extra time out of their day to take us to see the whale we swam with. Honestly can’t say enough good things about this group, pick them to pilot your new SF Open Water Swim - you won’t regret it!!! Thank you!read more
Nicole Williams Kesten
2018-06-11T22:14:01+0000
Amazing, highly recommend. Great communication, felt completely safe entire time and loved the personalized attention. Skip the big events and book w this group!! Loved my experience w them this morning.read more
Barton J Rice
2018-06-11T21:39:57+0000
Absolutely the only way to swim the bay. The staff are complete professionals and place safety above all else. I cannot express how impressed I was by the professionalism and resource support by this organization. I was happy to have a second chance after shark fest Alcatraz went south and honestly would have went with Pacific Open Water Co. from the start had I known. Second to none and top shelf. Thank you for making my goal come alive!read more
Allison Rudd Noel
2018-06-11T15:08:43+0000
I recently swam Alcatraz to SF with the Pacific Swim Co. and had an excellent experience. They were professional, fun, and kept us safe. Thanks for an awesome time!read more
Shannon Leonard
2018-06-11T13:09:24+0000
The Pacific Swim Co. team saved our trip to San Fran! We flew from Canada to do the Sharkfest Escape from Alcatraz swim and were gutted when the course changed. The Pacific Swim Co. set up smaller swims throughout the weekend to ensure travellers like my mom and I got the experience we travelled for and they did not disappoint! Super Professional, funny, and efficient. Our swim with them was even better than we imagined, thanks for making our bucket list one line shorter yesterday, you guys rock!read more
Linda Peters Ellrod
2018-06-10T15:42:38+0000
Amazing, unique experience! Sylvia was so kind and patient. She made my dream a reality! I highly recommend using this company!read more
Jared Jonas
2018-06-09T19:57:52+0000
If you are trying to swim Alcatraz, this is the way to go! I had an outstanding experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.read more
John Horst
2018-05-07T21:45:09+0000
I did 4 successful swims (Angel Island Circumnavigation, Alcatraz, Pt Bonita to Horseshoe Cove, and Bridge-to-Bridge (Bay to GGB) with Pacific Open Water Swim Co this week. These folks are great. If you want awesome unique experiences in the Bay guided by professionals these folks are the way to go! Could not be happier. Pt Bonita to Horseshoe Cove was an amazingly memorable swim! Swimming under the GGB is just wow... Their ability to work with vessel traffic control and arrange swims an keep them safe was outstanding. Their expertise in the currents on the Bay is also top-notch. If you are an open water swimmer and want to arrange unique experiences in San Francisco Bay contact these folks, they will not disappoint.read more
Martin Goodlad
2018-04-26T23:12:12+0000
Aaron Jarvis
2018-03-31T02:24:48+0000
I completed my first swim with them today, Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz. Conditions were very nice but safety is still complicated, and they did an amazing job! The swim plan was discussed and I felt totally comfortable. I can’t wait to swim with them again soon!read more
Erika Shanahan Gliebe
2018-02-19T21:31:35+0000
I have done two swims with Pacific Open Water Swim Co. One under the full moon along treasure island and under the lights of the bay bridge. Today I swam Alcatraz to Angel Island and it was beyond amazing! These were both firsts for me. Bryan and Sylvia take great care in the safety of their swimmers. I felt completely safe and loved every moment of both swims! And look forward to many more adventures with this team!read more
Walter Dods
2018-02-06T21:20:15+0000
Thank you so much, sylvia, for dealing with my pre-swim neurosis. Both of you made it abundantly clear that our safety and enjoyment were the key focus of the swim. i was able to just grind ahead knowing that you were protecting our space. i was very pleased with your expert ability to manage two swimmers with very different speed and experience. THANK YOU for this bucket-list swim.read more
Andra Dickerson Stratton
2018-02-06T18:50:02+0000
I was part of a support team for a swim from Alcatraz this past weekend. At first I was disappointed that I couldn’t kayak along side the swimmer....once I was out there on the boat and realized just how complicated it is to keep these swimmers safe, it became perfectly clear that being on the boat in their hands was the right place for me. It was a fabulous experience for both the support team and the swimmers.read more
Molly Nance
2018-02-06T18:08:03+0000
Thank you so very much for the swim of a lifetime! Our escape from Alcatraz was so much fun! I greatly appreciated your expertise, communication and focus on safety. You have such a beautiful boat and the platform made it easy to get in and out of the water. This was truly a wonderful adventure with friends that I'll always treasure. Pacific Open Water Swim Co. is the best! I can't wait for our next swim!read more
John Batchelder
2018-02-06T00:59:50+0000
Lynn Kubasek
2018-02-05T03:00:36+0000
Had a GREAT Alcatraz to GG Bridge Swim. Silly me...forgot about "afterdrop" Sylvia is prepared with...the Black Momba! AWESOME FUN!read more
Alex Buehlmann
2017-12-22T21:34:22+0000
Lisa Kuefner Carboni
2017-10-29T22:25:34+0000
A wonderful swim on a beautiful night on the San Francisco Bay! A very nice boat with safety and guidance provided by Bryan and Sylvia. Would love to do my bucket list Alcatraz swim with them.🏊read more
Suzie Dods
2017-10-28T03:41:12+0000
What a lovely way to end a week! From Cavallo Pt to Sausalito (the Honey Bucket!),about an hour . WELL protected w 2 boats for 5 swimmers. A WARM water rinse off at the end! GORGEUS views of SF, the East Bay & the GGB. Can't wait for the next one!read more
Yasuko de la Torre
2017-10-11T15:41:18+0000
I had great time in the bay with Sylvia and Brian. This was my first swim around Angle Islands. They explained about the course, tides, distance, how we communicate while we were swimming really well. It's very professional and organized. I had the best time in the bay and I felt safe. This was the awesome open water experience. I would love to do again with them. Highly recommended!read more
Michael Tschantz-Hahn
2017-10-09T03:16:16+0000
I have been doing open water swims for close to 30 years including the English Channel. These guys know what they are doing! Very knowledgeable about tides, communicate well during swim, great attention to safety and super positive. I have done two swims with them in the last 3 days. One of them was the most technical swim I have ever done due to extremely strong tides. They had tested the course the day before a had the tide completely dialed.read more
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