The Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association (LTOWSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and governing open water marathon swims on the stunning Lake Tahoe. As a hub for open water swimming enthusiasts, LTOWSA sets the standards, rules, and procedures for these challenging events, ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport.
Courses and Fees
LTOWSA offers three distinct marathon swim courses on Lake Tahoe, each with its own unique challenges and fees:
| Course | Length | Fee (Solo) | Fee (Tandem/Relay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 21.3 miles (34.3 km) | $450 | $550 |
| True Width | 12 miles (19.3 km) | $395 | $495 |
| Vikingsholm | 10.6 miles (17.1 km) | $395 | $495 |
These courses take swimmers from various launch points, including Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe, CA, to Incline Village, NV, and Emerald Bay, CA.
Rules and Ratification
LTOWSA’s primary focus is on ensuring the safety and integrity of open water marathon swims on Lake Tahoe. The association provides unbiased, professional observers to monitor and review each swim attempt, ensuring compliance with the established rules. This ratification process guarantees the authenticity of all swim records and achievements.
Integrity and Professionalism
Upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, LTOWSA employs experienced observers to oversee each swim attempt. These observers document and report all swims in a prompt and transparent manner, ensuring the credibility of the association’s records and achievements.
Lake Tahoe Triple Crown
Swimmers who complete all three LTOWSA courses (Length, True Width, and Vikingsholm) are awarded the prestigious Lake Tahoe Triple Crown, a testament to their endurance and dedication to the sport.
Events and Partnerships
LTOWSA organizes an annual Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim event in August, featuring various course distances, from 1/2 mile to 2.4 miles. The association also partners with organizations like Big Blue Adventure to host additional open water swimming events and promote the sport in the region.
Leadership
LTOWSA is operated by the Northern California Open Water Swimming Association, a group of experienced open water swimmers who are committed to safety, professionalism, and the advancement of the sport.
Values
At the core of LTOWSA’s mission are the values of safety, transparency, and integrity. The association prioritizes the well-being of its participants and ensures that all open water marathon swims are conducted in a fair and accountable manner.
Mission
LTOWSA’s mission is to observe, ratify, and promote open water marathon swims on the iconic Lake Tahoe, supporting the sport and its participants while upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Contact Information
For more information about LTOWSA and its events, please visit their website at www.tahoeopenwater.org.
References
- Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association. (n.d.). Lake Tahoe Marathon Swimming Courses. Retrieved from https://www.tahoeopenwater.org/courses/
- SwimTahoe. (n.d.). Conquer the Ultimate Open Water Challenge with SwimTahoe. Retrieved from https://www.swimtahoe.com/swim-lake-tahoe/
- Big Blue Adventure. (n.d.). Open Water Swimming Races/Events – Lake Tahoe. Retrieved from https://bigblueadventure.com/sports/swimming/
- Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association. (n.d.). Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association – Solo and Relay. Retrieved from https://www.tahoeopenwater.org/
- Tahoe Swimming. (n.d.). Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim. Retrieved from https://tahoeswimming.com/events/lake-tahoe-open-water-swim/.