FAQs and Swimmer information
Last update: 11 January 2025
The information on this page is likely to be incomplete and will get updated as people ask more questions and as plans fall into place. Check back again, especially as we get closer to race day!
When do applications open to register for the MSHC event?
1 February 2025
How many swimmers do you expect?
In 2025, the event will be limited to 25 swimmers per lake.
Do I have to swim all 4 lakes to enter?
No, however preference will be given to those who plan to swim the entire series. We encourage swimmers interested in swimming any number of stages to apply.
What is the cost of the event?
Currently TBD, but will be available prior to applications opening. No money will need to be paid until you have been accepted into the swim.
How do you determine which applicants you will accept?
Preference will be given to applicants planning to do the entire 4 Lake series. The event application will include a request for past swimming history and future swimming goals, as well as swimming pace. The organizing committee will use this information to establish the final swimming roster.
When will I hear if my application is accepted?
Our goal is to process all applications within one month, but this will depend upon the rate and volume of applicants. Interested swimmers can contact the race director to check on the status of their application after 30 days.
Do I need to find a crew for the swims?
Yes. Each swimmer is responsible for providing a dedicated kayaker for each of the four lakes. Organizers may try and find local kayakers for swimmers traveling long distances, but this is by no means assured.
What if my crew cannot finish a lake?
If a swimmer’s support crew is unable to finish a swim, the swimmer will be pulled from that lake. In no case will a swimmer be allowed to start, continue, or finish a swim without a dedicated support crew.
Is there an extra cost for a kayak? Can I bring my own?
The event will provide one kayak, paddle, life jacket, and walkie-talkie for each swimmer and will transport them to the start and from the finish of each stage. Swimmers may bring their own kayak only with prior approval from the race director, but will be required to transport their kayak to/from the start/finish of each stage. This will require additional planning on the part of the swimmer/kayaker.
How do I get from lake to lake?
Swimmers and crew will need to organize carpools and rides between start and finish lines, and between lakes. There will be no organized transportation (buses, vans, etc.). To help facilitate carpooling accepted applicants and their kayakers contact information will be shared with other swimmers and kayakers. Swimmers and kayakers should have a plan for leaving a vehicle at the finish lines and getting back to the starts the morning of each swim.
How fast do I need to be?
There is no minimum speed, however there will be cutoff times after which any swimmer still in the water will be pulled and escorted to the finish line. The cutoff times are 5 hours for Mayfield and Yale Lakes, 10 hours for Riffe Lake, and 5½ hours for Lake Merwin.
What are the water temperatures of each lake?
As with any open water event, nature will determine the temperatures, and they will vary. Swimmers should be ready for anything from mid-60s to mid-70s. Water temperatures can be significantly cooler following dam releases.
Can I wear a Wetsuit?
Almost certainly no. In the unlikely event you can get advanced permission from the Race Director, then yes, but he’ll probably say no.
Is there a Welcome Dinner?
There will be a Welcome Dinner (pre-registration required) on the evening of September 5th. This will take place at the Harmony Bay resort at Mayfield Lake. Further details will be forthcoming.
Snacks at the end of each swim?
Light snacks and drinks will be available at the finish of each swim however swimmers should plan for providing their own more substantial replenishment as needed.
What should I plan to bring to the start of each swim?
Swimmers should be ready to go immediately after the safety briefing prior to each swim. This means having suits/cap/goggles available. Support crew will also need to be prepared with all safety gear, including, but not limited to – kayak, paddle, life jacket, walkie talkie (all provided), drybag, food, sunscreen, etc. A checklist of things you may want to bring will be sent to each swimmer and paddler in early August.
What safety precautions are you taking?
Swimmer, Crew, and Volunteer safety is the first priority for this event. An extensive Safety Plan has been developed, reviewed, and approved. The swimmers’ first line of safety will be their kayaker, with whom they must stay in close and continuous contact. The kayaker will have a walkie-talkie to communicate with the power boats supporting the event. Local emergency services have been notified of the event and will be able to be contacted as needed. That said, these are long swims in rural and remote areas and entrants are reminded that safety also needs to be their first priority.
Can an inaugural swim really be called a “classic”?
Yes. This swim is an instant classic.
Is there a refund policy? Can I transfer my spot if I’m accepted?
There is no fee to apply. If accepted, a 25% non-refundable deposit is due by 15 May 2025. The balance is due by 15 July 2025, and is not refundable after 6 August 2025 (within 30 days of the event). Accepted swimmers will be invoiced with payment information. Registration is not transferrable to another swimmer or Stage.