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Saturdays,
0900, we meet at the Diamond Head side of Ala Moana. You
will see folks standing around the lifeguard tower at 1E
(closest to the bathrooms) or at a yellow flag in the water
about 0850 or so. That's us!! We usually swim 2000 meters.
Some swim more, and some less. Click
here for an image of the course with distances shown.
Some
meet on Saturdays at 0830 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
Hotel pier to swim out the channel, over the shipwreck then
either toward Diamond Head or Ala Moana, depending on current,
clarity and the majority vote! We often look for the trampoline
to jump on, slide down and entertain ourselves a bit, then
continue with our swim. Park at the free lot at the Ala
Wai boat harbor, next to the HHV lagoon-to get there, turn
off of Ala Moana Blvd onto Hobron (corner of Crazy Shirts,
Outback Steakhouse and Hawaii Prince Hotel), left at stop
sign on to parking lot. There are showers and bathrooms
at all of our swim locations.We often go out to Starbucks
or for breakfast afterwards to "talk story".
Sundays,
0800, we meet at Kaimana Beach
(also known as San Souci Beach) next to the Natatorium,
also the start of the annual Waikiki Roughwater Swim, right
in front of the Banyan tree restaurant. Many of us swim
to the church and back (approx 1 hr total), others do the
course for the Waikiki Roughwater race which is approximately
2.4 miles, from Kaimana Beach to Hilton Hawaiian Village.
If anyone wants to do a double, there are usually a few
that may be interested in doing that. In the "cold"
mid-winter months we may start at 0830.
Some
people swim the Kaimana Beach
channel to the windsock. The distance is approximately
200 meters. Click here for an image of the channel and location
of the windsock.
At
various times of the year, a group will meet at Hanauma
Bay to swim. To beat the crowds and decrease the wind factor,
we meet at 0700 in the parking lot ($1). If you have a local
driver’s license or ID, you can leave a copy at the check-in
area and there is no entrance fee $5 for others. You have
to watch an 8min. video yearly, otherwise, you can by-pass
this as well. It’s a windy walk down to the Bay, we place
our things near the lifeguard tower (no valuables!) then
swim behind the reef to see a lot of colorful fish, possibly
out to Witches Brew or Toilet Bowl for a change of scenery
and coral. There are plentiful bathrooms, showers and water
fountains.
In
summertime, we go to the North shore to swim Waimea Bay
or around there, usually Sundays at 0830.
Of
course it all depends on box jellyfish! If there is a warning
for box jellies (8-10 days afer a full moon) we often will
meet at the Kailua Beach (Lanikai) boat ramp and swim out
around Flat Island or out towards the Mokes.
The
group usually breaks up into smaller groups depending on
what distance they want to swim and their pace.
Also,
please note that you swim at your own risk. Do not swim
in the ocean if you are not confident about doing so; always
swim with at least one partner; take notice of potential
hazards, such as surf, reef, currents, and marine life.
Safety
Tips from the Honolulu City & County Lifeguards:
Swim
in Lifeguarded Areas.
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Never
Swim Alone.
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Don't
Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves.
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Ask
a Lifeguard About Beach and Surf Conditions Before Swimming.
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If
You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal
for Help.
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Rely
on Your Swimming Ability Rather Than a Flotation Device.
-
Look
For, Read and Obey All Beach Safety Signs and Symbols.
If
In Doubt, Just Stay Out!
More
information on Ocean Safety can be found at the Oahu Lifeguard's
website. Also, check the Oahu
Box Jellyfish calendar. These critters show up monthly
approximately 10 days after the full moon. We advise that
you do not swim when Box Jellyfish are present.
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