Hawaii’s Annual Surf’n’Sea Open Water Series Begins With First of Five Races

Photo Courtesy: Elyse Butler

By Samantha Dammann, Swimming World College Intern.

The 29th annual Surf’n’Sea North Shore Swim Series will take place on the North Shore of Oahu this summer from June 10 to August 5.

The North Shore Swim Series consists of five ocean swims at several famous beaches along Oahu’s Seven Mile Miracle, which is home to 36 legendary surf spots.

The races increase in distance as the series progresses. The first race, the Aloha Salads Summer Sprint, is one mile long, and the fifth and final race, the Jamba Juice North Shore Challenge, is 2.3 miles long. A different business sponsors each race in the series.

Although the series allows swimmers to be competitive, less experienced swimmers are welcome to compete as well. Competitors must be able to swim the full length of the race, however, speed isn’t a requirement because the time cut-offs in this series are generous. Swimmers can push themselves to reach goal times or they can cruise the route and enjoy the beautiful marine life that makes these races so special.

Swimmers who place in the top three spots of their specific age division will be given awards and an Overall Series Award is given to swimmers who complete all five of the races in the series.

This series is undoubtedly on every open water swimmer’s bucket list. The warm, crystal clear waters of Oahu’s North Shore make this swim an ocean lover’s dream come true. Instead of looking at the tiled bottom of a pool, or the murky brown bottom of a lake, competitors can admire the rocks, reefs, and wildlife that thrive along these courses.

Elyse Butler, a Honolulu-based photographer, has competed in this series for the past six years. “The swims are along one of the most gorgeous stretches of coast on Oahu and the water is usually crystal clear with marine life abound [sic], as you swim you can explore the underwater terrain that makes these epic surf spots along the North Shore,” Butler said.

Sandie Easton competed in a few of the series’ races a decade ago, and has finished the full series the past two years. The series has grown since she first competed in it, but it hasn’t lost its welcoming spirit:

“Ohana is a term for family used frequently here in Hawai’i, and it sums up the amazing spirit of this series. In spite of the growth I observed over the 10-year gap, this series remains a fantastic gathering of athletes of differing abilities, with an overwhelming attitude of support for all those athletes. We’re all in it together, and prima donnas are few and far between.”

Although the course is beautiful, the social aspect of the series is one of Easton’s favorite parts.

“I can’t wait to see friends and meet new ones. There are wonderful drop-ins for this series: local legends of channel or pool who show up and show you what ageless looks like. Elite local and visiting athletes who occasionally aren’t busy with a pool meet and raise the level at the front. And newbies who want to try one race and just need a little extra confidence. My training seems to be holding up, so I’m looking forward to racing hard to get to the socializing,” Easton said.

Pool swimmers and open water newcomers shouldn’t be afraid to branch out and try organized races, but individuals that don’t feel comfortable swimming in pools or oceans should seriously consider whether they will be able to safely compete in the series.

Easton attested to the series’ directors’ commitment to safety: “Surf and weather conditions are continually evolving which creates an exciting challenge. Luckily, Chris Gardner and the NSSS team make sure we are safe, educated and take due assessment of our abilities. I personally can be a fan of rougher conditions, but awareness and respect for the ocean is non-negotiable.”

From the breath-taking sea life to the friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder why the North Shore Swim Series is beloved by pool and open water swimmers alike.

To learn more about the race, or find specific race-day information, visit the series website.

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Georgia Murty

6 years ago

Lara Cann ??