Welcome to the La Jolla Rough Water Swim, America's Premier Rough Water Swim, a summertime tradition in San Diego since 1916. Have a great swim!
Welcome to America's Premier Rough Water Swim, a summertime tradition since 1916. The following information answers our most frequently asked questions and will hopefully make your day at the swim more enjoyable. Thank you for choosing our event. Have a great swim!
Directions to the Start (La Jolla Cove)
The start and finish for all events is on the beach at La Jolla Cove, located in the 1100 block of Coast Boulevard (Thomas Bros. page 1227, F-6). Try to avoid Coast Boulevard after 7:00AM due to heavy traffic.
From the North: Take I-5 south to La Jolla Village Drive. Proceed west approximately 0.7 mile to Torrey Pines Road (stoplight) and turn left (south). Drive about 2.7 miles to Prospect Place (stoplight) and turn right (west). Proceed down Prospect, park in downtown La Jolla and walk down to La Jolla Cove.
From the South: Take I-5 north to La Jolla Pkwy and proceed west approximately 2.5 miles to Prospect Place (stoplight) and turn right (west). Proceed down Prospect, park in La Jolla and walk down to the Cove.
Parking Near the Cove
Park only in marked spaces and avoid areas which may cause a safety hazard or block driveways. Watch for no parking signs as several areas will be closed for this event. Vehicles blocking emergency access, double parked or parked in no parking areas will be towed. Avoid Coast Boulevard adjacent to La Jolla Cove. Adequate street and public parking is available in downtown La Jolla.
Race Packets, Timing Chips & Arm Bands
Each entrant is required to check-in on the day of the event, or the day before at Saturday Check-In (see Swimmer Check-In below). After receiving your Race Packet, check the information on the packet label for accuracy and the Arm Band color against the table at right. Your Race Packet also contains a Timing Chip and neoprene ankle band. Both are required for access to the beach and Start Line. Chip Timing is used for all awards and the Official Results. Swimmers crossing the Finish Line without the Chip attached as instructed will be disqualified and ineligible for any award. Securely attach your Timing Chip and ankle band when your event age group is called for topside staging.
Swimmer Check-In (Sunday - Day of Race)
Saturday Check-In (Day Before Race)
All Events (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)Swimmers wishing to avoid the long check-in lines on Sunday may check-in on Saturday morning between 9:00AM and Noon. Registration for open events will be available only until the events are sold-out. Event T-Shirts are also available at Saturday Check-In.
Location: Chase Bank, in downtown La Jolla at 7777 Girard Avenue (corner of Girard and Silverado).
Reminder: Picture ID (Driver's License or Passport) is required for Masters and Gatorman check-in.
Swimmer's Attire
Warm-Up Clothing
Swimmers wishing to deposit their warm-up clothing while they're in the water may do so at the Swimmer WARM-UP booth located immediately adjacent to the T-Shirt booth (facing Coast Boulevard). Masters or Gatorman entrants should check-in before depositing warm-ups since your ID is required. All warm-ups must be claimed prior to 3:00 PM. Do not deposit money or valuables.
The Start (La Jolla Cove)
The Course
Paddlers - Gatorman
Of the five LJRWS events, the Gatorman is by far the most technical. Tides, currents and navigation play major roles in successfully executing the Gatorman course. For this reason, board paddlers are recommended and a definite tactical advantage. If you select to swim with a paddler (wise choice), he or she must check-in with you to receive a Paddler (beach access) arm band and a Notice to Paddlers. Note: Kayaks, stand-up boards or any craft with oars are nor permitted.
The Finish (La Jolla Cove)
All Events
The Finish Line for all events is located on the beach near the base of the Lifeguard tower. A high-intensity (aircraft runway) strobe beacon centered within a large red & yellow diamond target is located above the Finish Line to guide swimmers unfamiliar with the area and La Jolla Cove landmarks. Note: You have not finished the race until you cross the Timing Gate (clearly marked) on the beach. Races have been won, and lost, during that short run between the water and the Gate (10-30 feet)
Awards
LJRWS Foundation (a California Non-Profit [501(c)(3)] Corporation)
While the adult events carry themselves financially, the Junior and Amateur entry fees have always been set with the priority of allowing all children to participate, regardless of financial background. Since the cost of the children's events actually exceed that of the adult events, the difference is underwritten by donations to the Foundation. The Foundation's staff is exclusively volunteer and there are no paid fund raisers, therefore, one hundred percent (100%) of each donation is used to provide funding for the children's events and Junior athletics. Tax deductible donations, of any amount, are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: LJRWS Foundation, P.O. Box 2127, La Jolla, CA 92038.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla, CA 92037
Sep 13, 2015
$20-$110
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.