Open Water 2010

Open Water Swimming at Chatfield State Park in the Gravel Pond

Saturday 7:30 am to 10:00 am
Monday and Weds 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
May 1, 2010 to October 2, 2010

Contact Jeff Magouirk
swimwithfishes@earthlink.net
303-596-6933

Swimming at the Gravel Pond at Chatfield State Park, begins on the far westside of the pond, on the north end. Cost to get a car into the park - $7.00.

Water temps May - low to mid 50s
June - low to mid 60s
July - low to mid 70s
August - mid 70s to high 60s
September - high 60s to high 50s

Approximate length 900 meters from westside, north end to eastside south end cove.
Approximate length to gravel bar 250 meters from the westside, north end.

Monitors are needed for every session. A session will be cancelled if no monitors are signed-up a week in advance. Contact Jeff Magouirk to monitor a session. All swimmers must sign a waiver (pdf).

New Information Received from Chatfield (4/12/2010):

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AGREEMENT CONDITIONS

Gravel Pond Swimming

  1. Swimming will be allowed at three specific times:
    a. Monday from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
    b. Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
    c. Saturday from 7:30 am to 10:00 am
  2. Staging and entry for swimming will utilize the designated beach area at the northwest corner of the Gravel Pond. Swimmers must remain to the west of the swim line buoys.
  3. Permittee must provide a designated person to act as a registration and safety contact on each date that the permittee intends to utilize. Members may not swim if the designated control person is not present. It may be possible for permitted groups to coordinate this with one individual acting as designee for all. The important factor is the control of access and the accumulation of user information.
  4. Permittee will track member access and egress at the Gravel Pond on a registration log sheet to ensure safety, provide management with accurate use information, and discourage unauthorized swimming by non permitted individuals or groups. The registration log sheet will record permittee name or organization, name of registration designee, date of use, name of swimming member, and member initials on egress.
  5. Permittee will submit copies of the registration log sheets on a monthly basis to the Chatfield Park Manager identifying members and each date of swimming participation at the Gravel Ponds.
  6. Failure of the permittee to provide accurate monthly reports and to report non permitted use may result in termination of the Special Use Permit.
  7. Permittee will encourage members to utilize the Kingfisher parking area on the north side of the main park road. Please remind your members that parking in non-designated areas or off roads is prohibited and violators will be fined and/or vehicles towed.


Aquaman Series

Get Outside and Swim! The AQUAMAN Swim/Run Series is back for 2010 with lower prices! The AQUAMAN is a series of open water swim swims of 1/2, 1, 1 1/2, and 2 mile open water swims at Cherry Creek State Park. Races will be held on the following 6 Tuesday nights:

June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, and Aug 3. All events begin at 6:15pm.

New this year…..male and female winners of the 2 mile open water swim series will receive a free wetsuit from XTERRA. Winners of the other distance race series will receive an Xterra backpack.

Lower prices this year! COMSA members receive a 10% discount off the price listed below of a 4 or 6 race pack. Please use a mail in entry and mark COMSA member if you are registering with this option.

  Swim Only Series Swim / Run Series

Single Race
$16

$20

Single Race

(Sign up race day)

$18

$23

4 Race Pack

$60

$75

6 Race Pack

$90
$110

NEW Clinics for beginner open water swimmers presented by Swim Labs staff. For $15, you will get expert advice from a Swim Labs staff member on swimming open water on things such as proper warm-up, pacing, sighting, etc. 2 clinics will be offered on June 29 and July 6. Then you can practice your new skills at the evening race. See websites for registration form and more information.

As always, Jimmy Johns will be providing sandwiches for all competitors after the race and Mix 1 will be providing drinks. More fun is planned for 2010 season. Checkout www.withoutlimits.com for more information or e-mail Canace at cgutti77@hotmail.com.

BAM Open Water Training Swims and Bare Bones Swims

Training swims at the Boulder Reservoir every Tuesday (6:15-8) and Thursday (6:15-7:30) morning at the windsurfing beach. First 2 swims are free to COMSA members. Fees for subsequent swims. See www.bamswimteam.org for complete details.

BAM Bare Bone swims on July 24 and August 21. 10% discount to COMSA members. See www.bamswimteam.org for complete details,