Race Information 

Friday, August 4, 2023
2:00-9:00pm - Packet Pickup & Apparel Sale (Location TBD - Bayfield)

Saturday, August 5, 2023
5:30-6:00am  - Race Day Packet Pickup (Location TBD - Bayfield)
6:30 am -  Mandatory Safety Briefing and Race Instructions
7:20am - Race Start
10:00am  - Pull Out - all swimmers still in the water will be pulled
11:00am  - Awards Ceremony (TBD - Madeline Island)

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In case of individual cancellation or event cancellation due to weather, there are no refunds, transfers, or credits. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance. Cancellation insurance covers unexpected items that would cause you to cancel your participation. For example if you get injured or sick prior to the race or have other unexpected qualifying event. Please give serious consideration to cancellation insurance which is only available at registration time.

​The Point to La Pointe Open Water Swim operates on a permit from the US Coast Guard. The safety of the swimmers and safety team is our top priority. For this reason, race organizers, in consultation with the US Coast Guard, will postpone or cancel the race under the following conditions:

• Fog - the furthest point in the course most be visible to the naked eye from Bayfield.  
• Lightning – the race will not be started if there is visible lightening, audible thunder, or a weather radar showing a threatening system approaching the area.  
• Winds and Waves – the race will not be started if wave heights exceed 3’ on the course. Certain winds or winds forecasted to build during the race could result in cancellation.
• Race Organizers reserve the right to postpone, alter, or cancel the race for any reason. 

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If the race cannot start before 11am, it will be cancelled. Some conditions (strong winds or storms all day) may require outright cancellation. In the event of cancellation, no refunds will be issued.

If conditions become unsafe mid-race, swimmers will be pulled out of the water in accordance with the US Coast Guard approved safety plan. 

Race Postponement & Cancellation Policy  

Refunds

 In case of individual cancellation or event cancellation due to weather, there are NO REFUNDS, transfers, or credits. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance.

Cancellation insurance covers unexpected items that would cause you to cancel your participation. For example if you get injured or sick prior to the race or have another unexpected event. Please give serious consideration to cancellation insurance which is only available at registration time. 

Please note that cancellation insurance is purchased through a third-party vendor. You will need to save the email confirmation sent by the insurance company at the time of purchase in the event you have a claim. 

Course Information

The race is a 2.1 mile, point to point swim that starts in Bayfield, Wisconsin, and proceeds across the waters of Lake Superior to land on beautiful Madeline Island. Swimming to Madeline Island has been a storied feat around the Bayfield area for decades.

The event began in 2006 with 24 swimmers and has developed into the thriving event it is now with 650 swimmers. 

Swimmers will start from beach. Large buoys will mark the course. 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.

Swimming Experience Requirements

• All swimmers should have some open water swimming experience or be able to swim a mile in under 45:00 in a pool.
• Cut off time for the race is 10:00am. 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.
• Open Water Swim Buoys are preferred and encouraged in all divisions.
• Swimmers must pick up their race packet in person. 
• All swimmers must sign a waiver at the time of registration. Swimmers under 18 years of age need to have a parent sign their waiver.
• You must be at least 14 years old to swim.

Competitive Division 

​The Competitive Division is a competitive race. 

• Wetsuits are required except by special permission from the Race Director. Swimmers wishing to swim without a wetsuit need to complete a  Wetsuit Application and email it to Ursula@recreationandfitnessresources.org 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 degrees). ​
• Open Water Swim Buoys are strongly recommended. (New for 2023)
• No artificial swimming aids (fins, snorkels, etc.) are permitted, except wetsuits and open water swim buoys.​​

Non-Competitive Division

 The Non-Competitive Division is not a race, but will be timed for the swimmer's interest. 

• Swimmers should feel confident in their ability to swim 3 miles in open water.  
• Wetsuits are required for all swimmers in the Non-Competitive Division. Shorties and bibs will likely be adequate but a full suit is recommended due to cold water temperatures (typically 63-71 degrees)
• Fins, snorkels, and hand paddles are permitted.
• Open Water Swim Buoys are strongly recommended. (New for 2023)
• If you're looking for the Community Swim, please register for the Non-Competitive Division.
• Non-Competitive Division swimmers are covered by the Safety Team and no longer need to provide their own Safety Paddler. 

Fundraising Division

• The fundraising division has the same requirements as the Non-Competitive Division.
• In addition to the requirements listed above, Fundraising swimmers need to fundraise a minimum of $250 to participate.
• Fundraisers must register to begin their fundraising efforts by following this link:

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