Although the Friends of V.I. National Park’s ninth annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim isn’t until May 27, registration is now open for those who want to participate.
“It’s fun whether you’re a highly competitive swimmer or a recreational swimmer,” said Friends development director Heather Ruhsam.
The Beach-to-Beach Power Swim includes four simultaneous events that all start at Maho Bay Beach located adjacent to St. John’s North Shore Road.The one-mile short course runs from Maho Bay Beach to Cinnamon Bay Beach.
The intermediate course runs 2.25 miles from Maho Bay Beach to Trunk Bay Beach.
The long course is 3.5 miles from Maho Bay Beach to Hawksnest Bay Beach.
These three courses are for solo swimmers. A three-person relay team course runs from Maho Bay Beach to Hawksnest Beach with transition points at Cinnamon Bay Beach and Trunk Bay Beach.
To make the event as accessible as possible to swimmers of all levels, swimmers may use snorkels, fins and/or exposure suits in a separate category of assisted swimmers.
Advance registration through May 4 is $40 for adults and $25 for youth to 17 years. General registration is May 5-25 and is $50 for adults and $25 for youth. Late registration on May 26 at the pre-race meeting is $75 for adults and $50 for youth. There will be no registration on the day of the event.
“Early sign up means saving money,” Ruhsam said.
Participants may register online or in person at one of the following locations: on St. John at The Friends of the Park office or store, both located in Mongoose Junction, or at Connections Cruz Bay or Coral Bay offices. On St. Thomas, register at Caribbean Surf Co. stores in Havensight, Red Hook or downtown Charlotte Amalie. St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures dive shop is the place to register in Christiansted, St. Croix.
Registration is also possible by phone at the Friends office, 779-4940.
Proceeds from this event support the park’s Learn to Swim program and other projects. Participants who want to line up sponsors can raise even more money through the Friends Race for a Reason fundraising challenge.
Spectators can enjoy watching the race from Maho, Cinnamon, Trunk and Hawksnest Bay beaches. Participants and spectators are invited to a beach party and awards ceremony at Oppenheimer Beach.
The Friends needs volunteers such as safety kayakers and others to help on the beaches and at the party.
Practice swims will be scheduled for the weeks preceding the event and the schedule will be announced soon.
Visit www.friendsvinp.org/swim for more information and to register online.
