Everyone in the Water!

Pat D

"Everyone in the water!"

Pre-race instructions like this can mean only one thing – it’s time to swim.

It's 3:40PM on Saturday afternoon, May 26, and, along with several fellow NY Flyers, I am standing in the middle of a line-up of just over 350 swimmers that, clad mostly in full length black wet suits, has a striking resemblance to one of those remote beaches that is alive and swarming with hundreds of wild seal.   

Welcome to the 2012 Great Hudson River Swim.


Lining Up to Swim

As the inaugural open water swim event of the season in New York City, the GHRS is one of ten events sponsored each year by NYC Swim, a NY based not-for-profit organization that promotes swimming and open water swim events in and around Manhattan. After jumping into the water in eight waves at the Christopher Street Pier in the West Village just off the western shore of Manhattan, the water comes alive as the horn blows and swimmers stroke and kick a total of 1.6 miles to the finish line at the World Financial Center harbor. As Flyer Richard B says:

"Unlike a running race, a swimming race is barely controlled chaos. You have arms and legs hitting your head and body, you struggle to see the buoy floating in the distance and just trying to stay in a straight line is really tough. It is an awesome rush!"

Carrie B and Richard B

Along the length of the course, participants pass such well known landmarks as Pier 40, the Holland Tunnel vents, and of course the Financial Center Ferry Terminal.

Surprising to so many, open water swimming has been alive and well for many years in New York City. Originally founded and supported by athletes with a strong swimming background and focus, the genre has seen marked growth over the past several years fueled by an increase in participation from triathletes looking for time in the water.

While many are shocked and surprised to hear that people actually swim in the Hudson River, there’s been a lot of progress made over the past several years in the quality of the water, and participation in open water events staged there has been explosive. Carrie B, another NY Flyer and long time open water swimmer, says:

“I actually enjoy encountering a jellyfish or two along the course as it’s a real sign of how far the improvement in water quality has come. While there is still a long way to go, the Hudson and other NYC waterways continue to get better each year thanks to the efforts of so many. It’s really a wonderful feel good story.”



Pat D, Carrie B, and Richard B

While events sponsored by NYC Swim, which to swimmers is akin to what the NYRR is to runners, have a lot of similarities with running races, including a great pre-race vibe at the start line, entrants that range from beginner to world class, and fun post race camaraderie, there also are a lot of differences. For example, events are generally smaller, typically limited to about 350 entrants per swim, and tend to be more expensive, usually around $75 per event. In addition, due to the strong focus on safety, individuals must have certified proof of open water swim experience prior to registering for NYC Swim events. Of course other differences include the fact that runners don’t have to wear mandatory florescent pink caps, there are no hills along any swim course, nor are there water stops or bathrooms (don’t ask!).

One other feature of local open water events is that, due to significant and sudden variations in the current of the waters surrounding Manhattan, it’s difficult at best to judge your year over year performance and progress. Ed O’D, a longtime NY Flyer and very accomplished multi-sport enthusiast says:

“Even a slight change in current can have a big impact on your time. I recall one year where, despite the fact that I was really well prepared and conditioned, and swam strongly, I posted my slowest time ever in the GHRS. It felt as though we were actually swimming against the current for a portion of the race!”

In fact, the current can even play havoc with times within the same event. Those who were in the later waves of this year's event had a much stronger and more favorable current assist than those in the earlier waves.

The Great Hudson Swim was another wonderful event, made all the more fun by participating with fellow Flyers like Carrie, Ed and Richard (I hope I’m not missing anyone!). Together, this group has participated in dozens of such events, yet each swim still brings excitement. The biggest challenge in this event was not the start time water temperature of 64 degrees, but rather the battle against some rather wavy conditions. Whether it be the afternoon winds from the west, the wakes created by the regular boat traffic, or the near surf-like waves cast from the massive cruise ship that steamed by (with shocked passengers lining the deck waving furiously), the field all agreed it was ‘rockin and rollin’ out there, especially near the southern end of the course as you approach New York Harbor. Conditions like this make it really tough to sight the buoy-marked course and therefore make it surprisingly difficult to swim a straight line. On the plus side, and again likely due to the balmy afternoon conditions, we were all cheered on by large crowds, especially at both the start and end of the course.

Near the Finish by the World Financial Center

Experiencing Manhattan from the water always comes with more than its share of ‘New York Moments.’ Among some of the more memorable moments I’ve had during open water swims in NYC include:

• Swimming up to and then treading water for a moment at the very base of the massive eastern support pillar/stanchion during the Brooklyn Bridge Swim from Manhattan to Brooklyn. While treading, I reached up and placed my hand on this mammoth brick structure for a moment about one foot above the water line. During that time I couldn’t help but look up and think that while millions of people have passed over this historic structure over the past 120+ years, I dare say only a few of us have actually touched and felt its energy while swimming beneath. 
• In 2009, after getting through the very difficult, turbulent and choppy first portion along the rough and exposed western shore of the two-mile Governors Island Swim, a couple hundred swimmers and I were finally not only welcomed by the much calmer waters along the southern shoreline, but to our amazement were also shocked to see the massive and majestic Queen Mary II cruise ship docked just a very short distance to our right, along the Brooklyn water front. To make things even better, the ship was obviously close to departing as the deck was filled to capacity with passengers all waving and cheering to the passing school of swimmers. The excitement for all of us in the water was probably exceeded only by the passengers' shock and amazement to see the passing and waving swimmers in New York Harbor. Just another day in New York.
• On three occasions, having the distinct pleasure of jumping off a ferry into the waters of New York Harbor and swimming around the Statute of Liberty Island at the Statue of Liberty Swim. Although one of the shortest events (1.2km) of the season, this event, timed to coincide with the city’s July 4th festivities, is always a powerful and patriotic experience. The exposed harbor waters along the eastern shore of the island can be very challenging and rough, while the second half of the course down the western side usually provides a welcomed calm. When taking a breath to my left side, each time having a fully unobstructed and unique view of Lady Liberty, I couldn’t help but think of the countless ‘tired masses’ that were first welcomed to these shores by her beaming torch. To call it a surreal moment is an understatement of massive proportions.

Overall, the Flyers did very well (you can click here for our results) and everyone had a fun time. Next up for many of us is the Aquathlon and Swim (1.5K swim and 5K run) event on June 26th on Randall’s Island. If you have questions about open water swimming, let one of us know, or speak to any of the other Flyers who regularly participate in these events, including Deb M., Kenny H., Allan G., Bob C., Charlotte N., Dianne Z., Jesse and Liz L., Francine A., Neal L., Jeanine H., Jim N., Yan P., Matt B., Neil and Julie C., Scott C., and Ray S. (I know I’m missing several – I’m sorry!).

Come on, jump in, the water's great!!

-Pat D