Pilot’s Surprise Swim – December 9th

12/10/2017 by pacopen

REVIEWS

Pacific Open Water Swim Co.

5.0

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

Erin Churchill

2018-09-10T17:41:01+0000

We just had a fantastic weekend with Pacific open Water Swim Co- we did Golden Gate to Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and aTreasure Island night swim. Bryan and Sylvia are very knowledgeable about SF Bay and did an excellent job piloting for us- we all felt safe the whole time. Would definitely love to come back for some more swims with them in the future!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

Jacques Tuset

2018-06-14T14:33:12+0000

Idéal pour visiter la baie ! Une équipe au top et très pro ! � Ideal to visit the bay! A team at the top and very pro!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

Catherine Wilson

2018-06-13T00:54:21+0000

Bryan and Sylvia were fantastic, I travelled from the UK to take part in the Sharkfest Escape from Alcatraz swim which was sadly adapted due to high wind and didn’t include the infamous Alcatraz. As you can imagine I was absolutely gutted, I found these guys recommended online and swam Alcatraz with them instead. I can honestly say this was probably a better experience, couldn’t have wished for a better way to do it. Personal, professional and took fantastic care of us. I absolutely loved it and can’t thank you both enough.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

Nicole Erika

2017-10-08T19:34:29+0000

This was the most organized and beautiful swim! They directed us every step of the way, knew exactly what the tides were doing at each part of the swim, and gave great guidance. I felt very safe which made it very relaxing.read more

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