One of the Most Challenging Marathon Swims Anywhere!
Pacific Open Water Swim Co. is the leader in planning and piloting swimmers on one of the most challenging marathon swims – Round-Trip Angel Island.
This demanding 10-mile (16.1km) course tests the endurance and ability of even the most experienced open-water swimmers. With strong currents, cold water, and crossing three commercial maritime traffic lanes (twice), often while swimming at night, Round-Trip Angel Island is a formidable swim that many use as a qualifying swim for the English Channel or North Channel.
This swim is open to solo marathon swimmers only
- Standard swimsuit (no technical suits or wetsuits); single latex or silicone cap; and goggles (earplugs optional)
- Devices such as smartwatches, smart goggles, music players, tempo trainers or any type of swim aids are not allowed
- Swimmers requesting a date must provide swim background and pace information
All Round-Trip Angel Island marathon swim attempts are under the Northern California Open Water Swimming Association who provide the Observer and live tracker to document the swim for ratification (results).
Why Round-Trip Angel Island?
Round-Trip Angel Island isn’t your average open water swim. Unlike point-to-point marathon swims, it requires a strategic approach, exceptional skill (often including night swimming), and seasoned experience. Strong crosscurrents dominate this route, constantly testing your pace and demanding continuous adjustments. This, combined with the distance (roughly 10 miles/16.1 kilometers), makes Round-Trip Angel Island a true test of physical and mental strength. You’ll also need a fair amount of luck since commercial vessel traffic has priority in the three east/west shipping lanes, which this course crosses twice.
The swim begins from the beach in San Francisco’s Aquatic Park and goes out past Alcatraz, heading north and around Angel Island returning south to pass Alcatraz once again before finishing on the beach in Aquatic Park.
Success Requires Planning, Experience, and Ability
Our current and tidal knowledge expertise is a cornerstone of our service, as evidenced by a success rate exceeding 97% on this famous marathon course. This specialized focus ensures that experienced swimmers are well-prepared for one of the most challenging global open-water experiences.
Pacific Open Water Swim Co. – Your Expert Pilot Leaders
Since 2017, Pacific Open Water Swim Co. has established itself as the leading authority in piloting the Round-Trip Angel Island course. Our company has proven its expertise and dedication with a track record of more successful attempts than any other organization or individual. Our specialized knowledge of currents and tidal patterns, bolstered by dozens of successful swims by swimmers from around the world, enables us to offer an unmatched level of guidance and support.
Our deep understanding allows us to optimize each swim based on daily water conditions and individual swimmer pace, enhancing safety and increasing the likelihood of a successful attempt. Our commitment to excellence and detailed preparation has made us the leaders for swimmers seeking to conquer one of the most challenging open water marathon courses available.
All swims are are coordinated through Sector San Francisco USCG Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and we are in constant communication with all commercial traffic for safety and passing coordinations.
Safety First – USCG Licensed Captains Only
It matters who you swim with. Our expert USCG-licensed Master Captains understand the intricacies of this challenging course. Our boats are built with swimming in mind – from AIS, radar, and state-of the art communication and navigations systems to low emissions, easy sight-lines for swimmer, crew, and pilot.
- Timing Your Attempt: We identify the ideal dates and timing when currents offer the best chance of success, optimizing conditions for your swim.
- Strategic Swim Planning: Our team designs a comprehensive swim plan tailored to the specific dynamics of the day and your pace.
- Open Water Safety Techniques: We emphasize the importance of safe open water swimming techniques and provide training and tips to enhance your preparedness.
- Support Crew Coordination: We ensure all support crew protocols are thoroughly planned and executed, guaranteeing a well-supported and secure experience.
Are You Ready for the Challenge? Contact us!
If you’re an experienced open water swimmer seeking the ultimate test, Round-Trip Angel Island awaits.
Contact Us to learn more about available dates and our marathon swim program for this and other swims such as the English Channel, Catalina Channel, and Lake Tahoe.
