Race Info

Join us for one of the best swim races in the country!

Point to La Pointe offers two different swim events for anyone who’s excited to swim fast, have fun, and raise money for recreation programs in the Bayfield area. There’s no better way to swim the Big Lake.

Prizes for the most pledges raised and the fastest swimmers by age group!

Register

Date

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Registration Fee

September 18-December 31 $110
January 1-May 31 $120
​After June 1 $130 

Refunds

There are no refunds, transfers, or credits. 

Course Information

The course is a straight 2.1 mile swim on Lake Superior from Bayfield to Madeline Island. The course follows the same route of the winter ice road, starting at the beach at the end of Washington Ave in Bayfield. It also parallels the route of the Madeline Island Ferry, finishing approximately 3/4 mile north of the ferry dock.  

Swimmers will start in waist deep water and finish at the water’s edge. Large buoys will mark the course every 1/3 mile. For safety reasons, you will be expected to swim along the marked course and may be steered back on course by a safety paddler if necessary. 

Swimmers have encountered all of Lake Superior's moods over the years, from calm, flat water to strong crosswinds with 2 foot waves. This event is registered with and approved by the US Coast Guard. US Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Auxiliary boats will monitor and patrol the event as a component of the Safety Team.

Race

The Race Event is a competitive, timed swim for experienced swimmers.

Race Requirements:

• All race swimmers should have some open water racing experience or be able to swim a mile in under 45:00 in a pool.
• No artificial swimming aids (fins, snorkels, flotation devices) except wetsuits.
• Swimmers under 16 years of age need to complete a Minors Under 16 Application for approval to participate in the race. 

If you cannot meet these requirements, please enter the community swim.
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Wetsuits are required except by special permission from the Race Director. Swimmers wishing to swim without a wetsuit need to complete a Wetsuit Waiver Application and email it to brittany@recreationandfitnessresources for approval. Shorties and bibs will likely be adequate but a full suit is best in case of cold temperatures. Water temperatures on Lake Superior can vary greatly with wind direction and prior day's weather (typically 63-71). 

Community Swim 

The Community Event is not a race, but will be timed for the swimmer's interest. Swimmers in this event should feel confident in their ability to swim 2 miles in open water.

Requirements:

• Swimmers must complete a community swimmer safety paddler assignment application.  Based on your information you will either be assigned a personal safety paddler or a safety coverage will be provided to you by the safety paddler team.   
• We would love to have more paddlers join the safety paddler team! To register as a safety paddler, please complete a  Safety Paddler Registration Form.  ​Race organizers reserve the right to reject an paddler or an paddlers vessel that is not suitable for Lake Superior.    
• Wetsuits are required for the Community Event. Shorties and bibs will likely be adequate but a full suit is recommended due to cold water temperatures (63-71 degrees the past three years). If you need a wetsuit, we recommend wetsuitrental.com to rent or buy a good used suit.
• Swimming aids are allowed, including fins and snorkels. 

• Cut off time for the community swim is 10:00 (2.5 hours). Swimmers will be pulled from the water at this time. Swimmers pulled from the water at the cut off time will be dropped off at the finish line.
• Community swimmers must pick up their race packet on Friday. 
• Swimmers under 16 years of age need to complete an application for approval to participate in the community swim. 

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