Shadow Cliffs Open Water Aquatic Team (SOWAT)

If you are interested in open water swimming with a group, SOWAT is available year round. Shadow Cliffs is an East Bay Regional Park located in Pleasanton. The facility is actually a small lake that was once a quarry. The group is friendly and flexible. There is no coaching or training, just open water swimming.

SOWAT has had an open water swim team since 1982; the group includes serious masters swimmers, open water aficionados, many triathletes (some Ironman competitors) and people who just enjoy open water swimming. It is a great chance to get comfortable swimming in open water conditions, get out of the chlorine, and not have to do flip turns every 30 seconds. We have a mile, mile and a half, and two
mile course.

Swimming hours

Daybreak 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM every day.

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays at 6:00 PM to dusk, June through mid October.

Water temperature

Low to mid 70's from June and October, mid to high 70's July, August, and September.

Typical "swims"

1600 to 3000 yds.

Shortest swim distance without stopping 800 yds.

Longest swim distance without stop 1300 yds.

Water depth

(over 100 ft in some areas)

Fresh water, spring fed, typically calm, some chop on windy days.

Facilities

Changing areas, restrooms, cold water showers.

Lifeguards not present when team member swim.

Requirements:

Must pass swim test (about 200 yards, moderate pace) and show that you are comfortable in
open water conditions. (minimum age is 13, swimmers under age of 21 must swim with an adult member). Additionally members need to pay $40 dues yearly (to cover liability insurance) and sign a waiver form, and agree to abide by the rules (out lined in part below).

Team Rules:

Member must sign in and out at the Kiosk
Members must wear your green SOWAT swim cap
Members must swim with a partner
Team hours are 6:00 am till 10:00 am seven days a week
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 6:00 pm till closing
The park is open till dusk, don't get caught in the parking lot in the fall

If interested contact: Anita Rosen.

Tips:

This is where the Tri for Fun Triathlon Series is held; there are good opportunities to get in a bike or a run workout, too.

Directions

I-680 to Sunol Blvd. Castlewood Exit
Take 1st Street to Stanley Blvd. to Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area.

There is a $4.00 charge per vehicle at the park entrance, or you can buy a park membership for $30 a year.

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