Dwight Crum Pier-To-Pier Swim

Swam P2P after a few years hiatus. Organization has dramatically improved. Check in was a breeze, no more unbelievable lines. The finishing chute got a little stacked up, cost me a few additional seconds on finishing time, but that just speaks to the popularity of the event and the fact that I’m now more middle of the pack. Started the swim next to Gordon Ramsey! The hump back to the start line to pick up your gear is not fun, but part of the deal, so just deal, I guess. Definitely a solid event, and will be back.

I am proud to say that I have completed the 2015 Dwight Crum Pier to Pier 2 mile open water/​ocean swim this past weekend and never felt more accomplished in life. One of my life fulfillments was to swim at this magnitude and I couldn’t have been more ecstatic about my decision to sign up.
If you love the water as much as I do, this event is amazing and well organized. If it’s your first time, you are required to take a preliminary 500 meter ocean swim test. They generously will refund you your money if you fail the preliminary assessment. so I’d say, give it a shot. You definitely have nothing to lose.
At the day of the event, I do recommend that you bring a friend or someone who is willing to hold your belongings. The event starts off at the South Side of Hermosa Beach and ends North of Manhattan Pier. You’ll evidently need someone to lug your personal belongings with you.
There will be tons of vendors giving away freebies. This year, AT&T had an awesome booth where they were customizing tote bags and or drawstring bags with 3 personal initials. Toyota was also offering free plastic sunglasses and swag if you completed a survey. Ooh, my favorite yogurt company «Chobani» had a truck and was giving away different yogurt flavors to everyone at the beach, even if you didn’t participate. How neat is that? It doesn’t stop there, Budweiser also had a booth giving away trucker hats for participants only! #freebiegalore
Well, this event was no joke. You must train and practice since ocean swimming isn’t no pool environment swimming. You have to anticipate current which is unpredictable.
I’m happy to say that my 2 mile swim took me 1 hour 11 minutes and 43 seconds =D
Heck yeahhhhh!!!

This is an open water /​ocean swim that takes place during the International Surf Festival. As a participant in this race, I love it!
The race starts south of the Hermosa Pier, and goes at a 45 degree angle around the HB pier, then north to the Manhattan Pier, and ends on the sand north of the MB pier. Total: 2.3 miles.
Recent interest has pushed the number of participants to 1,000 or so.
Not much to watch after the start, but the finish area is great!