Pacific Masters 2014 Open Water Swimming is off to a great start. Northern California is blessed with some of the most alluring places to swim, with clean, clear, calm water and beautiful surroundings. Spring Lake, Lake Del Valle and Lake Berryessa did not disappoint. Each offered our members challenging courses and spirited competition and no better way to spend a flawless summer day.   


Spring Lake
Spring Lake kicked off the summer's events. The Lake was very inviting and the change of course met with approval from veterans and new comers alike.

Lake Del Valle
The 2 day Del Valle event that included a choice of 5k or 10k swims on Saturday and a 1k and 2.5k on Sunday, lived up to its billing as a swimming festival. Despite concerns about low water levels the Lake was near perfect, with plenty of water at an ideal temperature. Both the intrepid distance gluttons and those who chose the shorter distances were treated to Tri-Valley Master's hospitality that included a flawlessly run event, an engaging awards ceremony and plenty of post-race nourishment.

Lake Berryessa

After 3 decades of hosting their open water swim at Oak Shores on the west side of Lake Berryessa, a change of the park's policies forced Davis Aquatic Masters to relocate their 32nd annual swim to Lupine Shores on the other side of the Lake. The new venue proved to be a great place to hold the swim. Unlike Del Valle, the effects of the drought showed at Berryessa, and while the distance to the water's edge required some navigating over the rocky shoreline, the Lake was inviting, calm with mid 70 degree water temperature. The 2-mile opening swim was set up as a straight out and back course. The 1 mile swim that followed was the 2014, 1-mile USMS Open Water National Championship. As well as drawing from Pacific Masters members, the event attracted a number of visitors from throughout the country. 



Open water swims require a tremendous effort on the part of the host clubs and all 3 of these events were especially well orchestrated. As open water competitions become increasing challenging to produce, Pacific Masters members can be extremely thankful to the clubs willing to take on the hosting duties. Kudos to Redwood Coast Masters, Tri-Valley Masters and Davis Aquatic Masters for continuing the tradition of excellence in Pacific Masters Open Water Swimming. Results of the swims are available at  Pacificmasters results .   

  

There's still plenty of opportunities this season to participate in Open Water.  

Learn about the remaining competitions at  

http://www.pacificmasters.org/comp/schd.html.


Visit the Del Valle and Lake Berryessa photo galleries
for a retrospective of these wonderful swims.

Photos courtesy of  Rich Burns.

This is a special focus publication of Pacific Masters Swimming.
We hope it stimulates fond memories of the event for those who attended
and encourages others to consider participating in upcoming events.
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