SERC

South End Rowing Club

Alcatraz Invitational FAQ

  1. When is the Alcatraz Invitational? The Alcatraz Invitational will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
  2. What is the water temperature? The San Francisco Bay in September is typically around 60 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 17 degrees Celsius).`
  3. What time is the swim jump? Final jump time will be determined by the test swim before the event.
  4. How can I keep warm in colder water? To help retain body heat and prevent swimmer’s ear infections, South End swimmers often wear a thermal cap (or two) and earplugs.
  5. What is your refund policy? We refund the early bird swim fee of $225 up to 60 days prior to the event, regardless of when the fee was paid. For refunds, e-mail [email protected] and we will credit your account for the full amount of the swim. Credit cards charges more than 180 days prior to the swim cannot be refunded electronically and require a physical check to be mailed. That can take 30 days to complete. We will not refund any fees due to timing issues, repositioning or missed swims. This is a fundraiser for the South End Rowing Club run entirely by club member volunteers. Every effort is made to ensure that you have a good experience, but it is not a race. It is an event.
  6. What is your registration transfer policy? Transfers are OK until 60 days before the swim.
  7. Can I sell my registration on craigslist? NO. You have to show an ID at check-in. It needs to match the name on the registration.
  8. Do you allow race-day registration? We will not have Race Day Registrations. If we have no-shows by registered swimmers, we anticipate giving spots to those on the waitlist.
  9. How do I get a discount? The South End does not offer discounts for the Alcatraz Invitational. This is our annual fundraiser and helps us maintain and improve our over 100-year-old clubhouse.
  10. Can I purchase a spectator pass to ride on the boat on the day of the event? No, we only sell Spectator passes through RaceRoster in advance of the swim and we are sold out. We will not be accepting any additional Spectators.
  11. How do I get a brunch ticket? When you check in for the swim you will receive your event T-shirt, timing chip, swim cap, and a wrist bracelet for each food ticket purchased.
  12. Can I buy a brunch ticket at the event? Yes, as soon as the swimmers leave for the boat we will begin selling food tickets for $25. Kids under 7 eat free. Brunch is included in the price for swimmers and spectators.
  13. How can I change my swim division? Please notify registration when you check in for the event on the day of the swim.
  14. Is there a cut-off time for the swim? Generally 90 minutes is the maximum, but we take each swimmer’s situation into consideration and encourage every swimmer to finish. Ultimately we take direction from the US Coast Guard and San Francisco Police Department as to when to end the swim – especially “in” the shipping channel. Slower swimmers maybe repositioned so they can safely finish the swim.
  15. Are swim fins allowed in the swim? No, unless you are a swimmer with a disability and/or have permission from the Race Director.
  16. Can I swim with a music device (swimpod)? No.
  17. If I have a disability can I still swim in your event? We encourage everyone to swim. We can make adjustments to a person’s specific needs if we know what is needed. We’ve successfully supported swimmers without limbs, hearing impaired and blind. Email [email protected] with your request and we’ll see if we can make it work. We also offer an express prosthetic limb delivery service from the ferry to the shore. Just let us know before the race.
  18. How do I register a swimmer 14 years of age and younger? Email the race director at [email protected] for specific instructions.
  19. What are the award breakdowns?

    Mens Skins 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
    Womens Skins 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
    Mens Suits 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
    Womens Suits 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
    There are no special awards for swimmers under 18.

     

     

     

     

  20. Do you know where I can rent a wet suit? Sports Basement (http://community.sportsbasement.com/stores/presidio/) rents Blue Seventy Reaction wetsuits for $25 for a week and the rental fee can be applied toward purchase within 90 days. Their Presidio store is closest to the club: 415-437-0100.
  21. Can I bring my own kayak and help pilot the swim? No, piloting a swim in the San Francisco Bay is at times challenging and we use experienced club members for this function.
  22. Will I receive an individual time for my swim? Yes, the timing company we hired says each swimmer’s chip will activate as they leave the boat. In past years, the metal boat deck caused interference with some timing chips, but this issue appears to be resolved. We do the best we can to provide individual times for all swimmers, but this is not a race, it is a fundraising event for the South End Rowing Club.
  23. How do I find the results of my swim? As soon as results are available they will be posted at several locations in front of the club at 500 Jefferson Street, adjacent to Aquatic Park. A link to results also will be posted on our event webpage serc.com/alcatraz-invitational later that same day and will be e-mailed to all registered swimmers.
  24. If I purchased a spectator pass, will I be allowed to ride on the boat with the swimmers? YES! Spectators and swimmers will go out on the Red & White Ferry.
  25. If I am a spectator on the boat, will I get back to the finish line in time to see my swimmer finish? If your swimmer can swim a mile in 25 minutes or less, then the answer is typically no.
  26. Why am I not receiving the e-mails updating me on your event? We send out 2 emails updating you on our swim prior to the event. These e-mails could be snagged in your e-mail spam filter.
  27. Where are the restrooms located? Port-a-Potties will be located at the west end of Jefferson Street, adjacent to the finish area at Aquatic Park, just west of the club.
  28. Where should I stay? We’ve compiled a short list of hotels in the immediate area on the A.I. Hotels page. Hotels in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco are walking distance to the club. Hotels in the Union Square area are a cab ride away. Registration opens prior to most of the area’s public transportation options on Sunday.
  29. Where do I go if I have a spectator ticket? Spectators will be riding the Red and White Ferry with the swimmers. If you bought a spectator pass, a wristband will be in your packet at registration. Spectators will proceed to the ferries with the swimmers. There are a few spectator passes available online.
  30. When does the timing start? Your time will start when you jump off the boat and will end when you cross the finish line. Some people registered without providing their date of birth. We may ask you at registration to provide this information if its missing.
  31. Where can I park my car? There are multiple street closures planned for Aquatic Park area on race day (including our race). If you can’t find a spot, try the paid lots.
  32. Can I take public transit to there? San Francisco is usually an awesome place to ride transit. Not so much at 5:00 am. Be sure to check your times and route https://www.sfmta.com. Also a quick shout out to SFMTA – their special events department coordinates the bulk of the permits for the South End. Thank you!