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.
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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.
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 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.
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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.
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