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IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION & DATES
August 18-31, 2026
Pre-Purchased Opportunity Registration
In 2025 people were able to purchase early access to secure their spot in the 2027 race. These people will have 2 weeks to register. Buying the “opportunity ” does not automatically register them. They MUST register during the access period between August 18th and 31st. If they do not register during this 2 week period the code will expire and they will have to register with the general registration. Codes will be sent By Friday August 14th, 2026. The Race Director will be following up to make sure people have plenty of reminders and don’t get left behind
Pre-Purchased Opportunity Registration
In 2025 people were able to purchase early access to secure their spot in the 2027 race. These people will have 2 weeks to register. Buying the “opportunity ” does not automatically register them. They MUST register during the access period between August 18th and 31st. If they do not register during this 2 week period the code will expire and they will have to register with the general registration. Codes will be sent By Friday August 14th, 2026. The Race Director will be following up to make sure people have plenty of reminders and don’t get left behind
September 1-15, 2026
Fundraiser Registration
Participants who commit to raising a minimum of $500 can register in this slot. Participants are required to submit $100 payment that counts toward their $500 minimum. Participants must raise an additional $400, for $500 total by June 1st, 2027, or else they forfeit their spot in the 2027 race. Participants can swim in competitive or non-competitive division. Participants must set up a profile in Race Roster and submit donations through race roster. This is your best option to secure your spot for the 2027 Point to La Pointe. Fundraisers who raise $1000, $2500, and $5000 receive special awards.
Fundraiser Registration
Participants who commit to raising a minimum of $500 can register in this slot. Participants are required to submit $100 payment that counts toward their $500 minimum. Participants must raise an additional $400, for $500 total by June 1st, 2027, or else they forfeit their spot in the 2027 race. Participants can swim in competitive or non-competitive division. Participants must set up a profile in Race Roster and submit donations through race roster. This is your best option to secure your spot for the 2027 Point to La Pointe. Fundraisers who raise $1000, $2500, and $5000 receive special awards.
Wednesday September 16th, 2026 at 12pm Central
General Registration
Participants can register for their spot in the 2027 race. Registration will be $250 and must be paid at time of check out. These spots go very quickly. This sold out in 5 minutes in 2025.
General Registration
Participants can register for their spot in the 2027 race. Registration will be $250 and must be paid at time of check out. These spots go very quickly. This sold out in 5 minutes in 2025.
A limited number of opportunities to register early for the 2028 Point to La Pointe will become available to everyone on September 17.
To keep the process fair, those who purchased Early Access for 2027 will not receive priority to purchase it again. If each year’s purchasers were given first access to the following year’s opportunities, they could continue circulating among the same small group of swimmers.
Making the opportunities available to everyone gives all interested swimmers an equal chance to purchase one, including swimmers who were unable to secure a spot in the 2027 race.
Please remember that this is not registration for the 2028 race. It is the opportunity to register before registration opens to the general public. Only 100 Opportunities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To keep the process fair, those who purchased Early Access for 2027 will not receive priority to purchase it again. If each year’s purchasers were given first access to the following year’s opportunities, they could continue circulating among the same small group of swimmers.
Making the opportunities available to everyone gives all interested swimmers an equal chance to purchase one, including swimmers who were unable to secure a spot in the 2027 race.
Please remember that this is not registration for the 2028 race. It is the opportunity to register before registration opens to the general public. Only 100 Opportunities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration Policies & Deadlines
In case of individual cancellation or event cancellation due to weather, there are NO REFUNDS, transfers, or credits. Participants who give their registration to someone else will forfeit their registration and will be permanently banned from participation in the race. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance.
Cancellation insurance covers unexpected items (qualifying events) that would cause you to cancel your participation. For example if you get injured or sick prior to the race or have another unexpected qualifying event. Please read the terms and conditions before purchasing. 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 and not the Point to La Pointe organizers. 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.
Cancellation insurance covers unexpected items (qualifying events) that would cause you to cancel your participation. For example if you get injured or sick prior to the race or have another unexpected qualifying event. Please read the terms and conditions before purchasing. 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 and not the Point to La Pointe organizers. 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.
Transferring from one division to another (e.g. Competitive to Non-Competitive) or changing your Hoodie size can be done by emailing the race director before April 30, 2027
This deadline allows us to place our orders for hoodies, caps, materials, and supplies for the swim. Once everything has been ordered, changes can no longer be accommodated. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the race director via email or phone.
Email Director: [email protected] Phone: 715-779-5408.
This deadline allows us to place our orders for hoodies, caps, materials, and supplies for the swim. Once everything has been ordered, changes can no longer be accommodated. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the race director via email or phone.
Email Director: [email protected] Phone: 715-779-5408.
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 600 swimmers. The race serves as the largest fundraiser for the Bayfield Rec Center - supporting year round recreation, youth swimming and sailing classes, senior exercise and socializing, and a community hub.
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.
The event began in 2006 with 24 swimmers and has developed into the thriving event it is now with 600 swimmers. The race serves as the largest fundraiser for the Bayfield Rec Center - supporting year round recreation, youth swimming and sailing classes, senior exercise and socializing, and a community hub.
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.
Swimmer Requirements - Important - Read!
All swimmers must:
Be at least 14 years old on race day.
Have open-water swimming experience or be able to swim one mile in a pool in under 45 minutes.
Wear the race-issued swim cap.
Use a safety buoy. Safety buoys are mandatory in all divisions.
Pick up their own race packet and present a photo ID. The name and date of birth on the ID must match the Race Roster registration.
Sign the required participant waiver. Swimmers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign.
Be at least 14 years old on race day.
Have open-water swimming experience or be able to swim one mile in a pool in under 45 minutes.
Wear the race-issued swim cap.
Use a safety buoy. Safety buoys are mandatory in all divisions.
Pick up their own race packet and present a photo ID. The name and date of birth on the ID must match the Race Roster registration.
Sign the required participant waiver. Swimmers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign.
Wetsuits are required for all swimmers. They may be sleeveless, full-length, or two-piece, but must provide continuous neoprene coverage of the chest, abdomen, and back. Wetsuit pants worn with a swimsuit do not qualify.
Experienced cold-water swimmers seeking an exemption must demonstrate recent experience swimming comparable distances and durations without a wetsuit in water temperatures of approximately 58–60°F. Applications must be uploaded through the swimmer’s Race Roster Participant Dashboard by June 1, 2027. Exemptions will not be granted on race day.
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Race officials may revoke an exemption because of water temperature, weather, lake conditions, or other safety concerns. All swimmers, including those with an approved exemption, must bring a wetsuit to the event.
Experienced cold-water swimmers seeking an exemption must demonstrate recent experience swimming comparable distances and durations without a wetsuit in water temperatures of approximately 58–60°F. Applications must be uploaded through the swimmer’s Race Roster Participant Dashboard by June 1, 2027. Exemptions will not be granted on race day.
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Race officials may revoke an exemption because of water temperature, weather, lake conditions, or other safety concerns. All swimmers, including those with an approved exemption, must bring a wetsuit to the event.
The Competitive Division is intended for swimmers competing without swimming aids.
- Fins, snorkels, and hand paddles are prohibited.
- Neoprene gloves with non-webbed fingers, hoods, and cold-protection booties are permitted.
- Safety buoys and race-issued swim caps are mandatory.
The Non-Competitive Division is timed and is intended for swimmers who wish to use permitted swimming aids or participate without competing in the Competitive Division.
- Fins, snorkels, and hand paddles are permitted.
- Neoprene gloves with webbed fingers, hoods, and cold-protection booties are permitted.
- Safety buoys and race-issued swim caps are mandatory.
- All swimmers are supported by the event Safety Team. A Personal Paddler is not required.
All swimmers must:
- Reach the midpoint red buoy by 8:45 AM.
- Complete the race by 9:50 AM.
Support Us
The Point to La Point Swim provides a great opportunity to put your business in the spotlight, build your brand and deliver your marketing message to an engaged and targeted audience of over 2,000 area residents, visitors, swimmers, their supporters, and volunteers – your customers.
Volunteers are an integral part of the Point to La Pointe Open Water Swim. We have a number of shifts and roles available from helping with set up, to sales, registration and more. We need help on land for several days leading up to the race as well as help on race day.
Most shifts on land are 3 hours long. Kayak and boater shifts are typically 6am-11am the day of the race.
Most shifts on land are 3 hours long. Kayak and boater shifts are typically 6am-11am the day of the race.
Questions can be directed to: Ursula or Natalie at [email protected] or by calling: 715-779-5408
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Questions can be directed to Brian: at [email protected]
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Questions can be directed to Ursula: at [email protected]
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Fundraising is a great way to engage your community in your open water swim journey and increase the impact you have supporting the Bayfield Rec Center.
- If you registered as a fundraiser you paid $100 to hold your spot. Swimmers must raise a minimum of $500.00 by June 1, 2026 in order to qualify. A total of $500 including $100 paid during registration
- If you do no meet the fundraising minimum by June 1, 2026, you will forfeit your registration
- After registering, swimmers create a fundraising page on race roster as a digital platform to collect donations
- We want you to have a successful and empowering fundraiser! To support you we offer:
- A fundraising guide including suggestions for setting goals, creating a timeline, and sharing your personal story
- Personal accountability and coaching support to those who want it
- You may sign up as competitive or non-competitive in the fundraising category.
Swimmer Information Manual, Bib Assignments
Viewing this on a phone? Be sure to scroll between tabs to see EVERYTHING
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM Lakeside Pavilion, Bayfield, WI
- Check-in
- Packet Pickup
- Merch Pickup
- Pre-purchased merchandise pickup
- Swimmers drop off bag with personal items that they want at the finish line on Madeline Island
- change of clothes, towel, shoes, race provided return ferry ticket
Saturday, August 7, 2027
5:00-5:59am (hard stop at 6am) - Race Day Last Minute Packet Pickup (Bayfield Pavilion)
6:00-6:30am - Race chip pick up
6:00-6:30am - Swimmers drop off bag with personal items (Washington Ave Beach)
- bags must be dropped of by 6:30am or else they will not be at the finish line
6:50 am - Mandatory Safety Briefing and Race Instructions
7:10am - Race Start - see swimmer information document for breakdowns
9:45am - Pull Out - all swimmers still in the water will be pulled
Awards Ceremony and Raffle Winner Announcement (time and location TBD)
5:00-5:59am (hard stop at 6am) - Race Day Last Minute Packet Pickup (Bayfield Pavilion)
6:00-6:30am - Race chip pick up
6:00-6:30am - Swimmers drop off bag with personal items (Washington Ave Beach)
- bags must be dropped of by 6:30am or else they will not be at the finish line
6:50 am - Mandatory Safety Briefing and Race Instructions
7:10am - Race Start - see swimmer information document for breakdowns
9:45am - Pull Out - all swimmers still in the water will be pulled
Awards Ceremony and Raffle Winner Announcement (time and location TBD)
Bib Assignments for the 2027 Race will be published here on July 1, 2027. Please check the correct division.
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We are constantly monitoring the environmental factors that will impact the P2LP.
Important Locations
Packet Pickup
Lakeside Pavilion 2 Front Street Bayfield, WI 54814 
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Start Line
Wash. Ave. Beach Washington Avenue Bayfield, WI 54814 
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Madeline Isl. Ferry
Ferry Terminal 20 Washington Ave. Bayfield, WI 54814 
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Finish Line
Coming Soon! La Pointe, WI 54850 
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Awards Ceremony
Time and Location Coming Soon! 
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About the Area
Nearest AirportsDuluth International Airport (DLH) is just under 2 hrs from Bayfield & the Apostle Islands. Duluth offers daily flights from Minneapolis & Chicago.
Gogebic Airport Ironwood, MI (IWD) via Chicago O'Hare. IWD is 1.5 hours away from Bayfield (67 miles by car). This is a smaller airport with 2 flights per day to and from Chicago or Minneapolis. Please consider the limited schedule before booking. It is a good alternative for those flying from Chicago. |
Where to EatWhile in the area, you should explore our local restaurants. Being located right next to the water provides for extraordinary fresh local fish.
Bayfield Madeline Island Washburn |
Where to StayOur race is located on the beautiful south shore of Lake Superior. To help you plan your stay, we are linking all our local Chambers. They have already compiled a vast list of options for you to consider including camping and non-traditional accomodations.
Bayfield Lodging Madeline Island Lodging Washburn Lodging |
Merch
Friends, Family, Spectator - Information
Ferry Info for Island-Based Spectators If you're staying on Madeline Island and want to watch the race start in Bayfield, be aware:
- The 6:00 AM ferry may fill quickly - swimmers have priority.
- You may need to take a later ferry if space is unavailable.
- Spectators must pay the standard fare — exact change or a pre-purchased ticket is recommended.
Getting to the Finish Line (From Bayfield)Spectators in Bayfield can take the ferry to Madeline Island to watch the finish.
- The finish line is a ½ mile walk north from the ferry terminal.
Sunny Slope Road, La Pointe, WI 54850 - Complimentary Shuttle buses will run from the ferry terminal to the finish line.
Pick-up is near the terminal; drop-off is at the finish.
FERRY TICKETS
The Madeline Island Ferry will have a table set up at the Pavilion on Friday afternoon during packet pick-up where you can buy ferry tickets to make it to Madeline Island. Please note that the morning of the race, the first ferry to the island will be filled with all the gear, equipment and volunteers we need to put on this race. That means, ambulances, a 20 foot U-Haul truck, two shuttle buses and a ton of volunteers. Even if you're holding a ticket, spectators may not necessarily make it into the 7 amt ferry. In 2024, there were no vehicles (other than the one's we mentioned before) allowed on the 7 am ferry and some of our volunteers had to wait for the second ferry to arrive due to weight restrictions. Please consider this when deciding whether or not to bring a vehicle.
CARS & PARKING
As we have mentioned, bringing a car in the early morning of the race might prove challenging. Please be aware that parking on Madeline Island is also extremely limited. We ask spectators with cars to park in town and take the shuttle bus to the finish line. If there is no available parking in town, you may drive about 50 yards past the finish line location to a small parking area. Spectators are strongly encouraged to park in town and take a shuttle to the finish line.
The Madeline Island Ferry will have a table set up at the Pavilion on Friday afternoon during packet pick-up where you can buy ferry tickets to make it to Madeline Island. Please note that the morning of the race, the first ferry to the island will be filled with all the gear, equipment and volunteers we need to put on this race. That means, ambulances, a 20 foot U-Haul truck, two shuttle buses and a ton of volunteers. Even if you're holding a ticket, spectators may not necessarily make it into the 7 amt ferry. In 2024, there were no vehicles (other than the one's we mentioned before) allowed on the 7 am ferry and some of our volunteers had to wait for the second ferry to arrive due to weight restrictions. Please consider this when deciding whether or not to bring a vehicle.
CARS & PARKING
As we have mentioned, bringing a car in the early morning of the race might prove challenging. Please be aware that parking on Madeline Island is also extremely limited. We ask spectators with cars to park in town and take the shuttle bus to the finish line. If there is no available parking in town, you may drive about 50 yards past the finish line location to a small parking area. Spectators are strongly encouraged to park in town and take a shuttle to the finish line.
Know your swimmer’s race bib number to easily find their status.
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How to Know if Your Swimmer Finished - At the finish area on the island, there will be tents displaying swimmers’ timing chips in numerical order.
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If Your Swimmer is Pulled from the Water - Swimmers may be pulled from the water for safety reasons, including exhaustion, hypothermia, or cramps. If this happens:
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Have a Reunion Plan - It’s essential to have a plan for reuniting with your swimmer:
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No Dogs Allowed at the Finish Line: We love dogs, who doesn't, but the finish line is on private property, generously shared with us by the owners. Out of respect for their wishes, pets are strictly not allowed at the finish line.
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Food RemindersThe race starts very early, before most businesses open.
- A small amount of food and coffee will be available for spectators to purchase, but we strongly recommend bringing your own.
We encourage our participants to support these businesses as they support their community in return.
2026 Superior Sponsor
2026 Gold Sponsors
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2026 Silver Sponsors
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2026 Bronze Sponsors
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