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Swim Events| Escape from Alcatraz | Big Swims

Polar Bear Info

Hi all,

It's that time of year again, the Polar Bear Swim is upon us! I thought I would provide you with some info regarding this fun challenge. If you have been around for a while much of this is old news, but I figured I would send this out for anyone new to the Dolphin Club. This email is in the spirit of having fun and being safe.

The Polar Bear swim begins on December 21st and ends on March 21st. To complete the polar bear challenge, you must swim at least 40 miles.

Charts
The charts will be posted on the board just inside the door at the club the night before the 21st. You may start recording your swims starting on the 21st. Please write your name clearly, first name and last. Write the start date next to your name. Filling in each square on the chart represents swimming one quarter (.25) miles. Four squares = one mile. Recording mileage for the Polar Bear is based on the honor system.

Distances
Keep in mind these are not exact distances, but estimates that have been consistent for our Polar Bear standards.

• Swimming from the beach to the flag is considered to be one square or .25 miles. (some of you may argue that google maps says differently, but since the Polar Bear's inception, this course has been recorded as one square on the chart. If you feel compelled to swim around the Oprah before heading to the flag, than so be it.)
• Beach to opening = .25 miles
• Flag to the Bad Becky Buoy (orange can/buoy moored near the Alma) = .25 miles
• Flag to the Big Repair (on MUNI pier) = .25 miles
• Full cove (swimming from the beach to the flag, along the MUNI pier to the opening, around the Jacuzzi to the Bad Becky and back to the beach - or in opposite direction) = 1mile

These distances that I mention usually balance themselves out. In other words, a flood here or an ebb there, will make one course longer than the other. There are different view points on distances from different members in the club, these are just my perspectives. If you have any questions about these distances, please contact me directly or strike up a conversation at the club.

Records and Awards
First to 40- This is the fastest person to make it to 40 miles starting on December 21st when the doors of the club open at 5 am. Pete Perez blew our mind a couple years ago by completing the Polar Bear in 4 days and 40 minutes. A year later, Justin Wilcox broke that record with a time of 3 days 13 hours and 32 minutes.

Fastest 40- This record, set last year near the end of the Polar Bear by Daniel Considine with a time of 3 days 12 hours and 43 minutes is the overall fastest time for 40 miles during the Polar Bear swim. Even though Dan didn't start on the first day of the Polar Bear, his record is still impressive and stands as the fastest Polar Bear to date. I have to mention here, that I failed to give Daniel recognition for this award at the Pilot Appreciation Dinner. It was an oversight on my part and I apologize for not making mention of Daniel's great accomplishment!

All three of the swims that I just mentioned were calculated, planned events with pilot coverage. I actually don't recommend trying to beat those records considering water temperature and the distance that would need to be covered at this point. If you do feel the need to push the envelope, I would greatly appreciate it if you contacted me first so I can be a support to you and make sure that safety comes first.

The first five swimmers that get to 40 miles receive special recognition.

Most miles overall -The current record is held by two Dolphins: George Kebbe and Ralph Wenzel, both swimming a total of 356 miles!

Life begins at 40 Award created by Joe Illick -To determine the winner, multiply the years in age the swimmer is over 40 BY the number of miles over 40- he/she swims.

Other Topics of Note
You can record miles for the Polar Bear if you swim in other bodies of water as long as the temperature is below 53 degrees.

If you are a new member, completing the Polar Bear will exempt you from the 6 month rule, allowing you to participate in out of cove swims.

The most important thing to remember about the Polar Bear is that it is supposed to be fun and challenging. Be safe as you swim through the Polar Bear; water temperatures are cooling down and get as low as 47 degrees in winter. Swim smart and make wise choices. Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Brian Herrick