FAQ | Odyssey Open Water Swimming

How cold is it in the Bay?

We've all gotten this question when we tell one of our friends that we swim in the bay! Many people are surprised by how comfortable it can actually be. We never require you to wear a wetsuit, but a lot of people choose to. Temperature can vary depending on time of year and location within the bay. The water in Berkeley is usually in the upper 60s and low 70s all summer long, which is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit and not be too cold. To get a better idea, pools used for competitive swimming are supposed to be between 77 and 82 degrees.

I’m not ready to commit to purchasing a wetsuit. Are there rentals available?

If you choose to wear a wetsuit but aren't ready to commit to buying one, you can rent them at Sports Basement for $25 a week or $50 a month. If you then decide you want to buy one, you can accrue up to $150 in credit (within 90 days) that can be put towards a purchase of a new one. Sports Basement rents Blue Seventy and 2XU suits, which are both specifically for open water swimming, but if you have a surfing-style wetsuit, that works just fine, too!

I am new to open water. How good of a swimmer do I need to be?

Open water swimming intimidates many people, but many are surprised how easy it is, especially in low-wave areas like the ones we use. If you can swim 35 lengths of a 25 yard pool, you can handle our swims. Our swims are set up with different distance options, so if you want to do less than half mile or more than one mile, it's fine. All our swims are very low-key, so you don't have to worry about being embarrassed if you're not a competitive swimmer.

What are your refund policies?

You may receive a full refund 21 days prior to an event or a community swim in Berkeley. After that Odyssey does not issue refunds. You may, however, receive an account credit to use toward any additional Odyssey events such as Alcatraz or our weekly community swims.

How can I become a member of your swim support crew?

We are always on the lookout for experienced and knowledgeable kayakers to join our swim support crew. We require that you have your own kayak or stand up paddle board, and have experience in the open water prior to joining our team. CPR/AED/Lifeguard certification is an added bonus. Odyssey also compensates paddlers! Please fill out our swim support form if you’d like to join our amazing crew.

What about sharks and sea life?

Don't worry! There has never been a shark attack in this area. There may be some fish, but they usually stay clear of people in the water. You can swim hundreds of times without ever seeing a fish.

Should I worry about boats?

Motorized boats are not common in the areas where we swim. Kayaks and windsurfers are, but there aren't many of them, and they are aware of our swimmers in the water, and our staff will be in kayaks to help keep you safe!

Do you swim in rainy or blustery weather?

We will swim rain or shine in Berkeley where our waters are a bit more protected than other parts of the bay. You're getting wet anyway, and rainy swims can be a lot of fun! We do not reimburse registration payments due to weather. You can always request a private lesson to learn how to adapt your swim stroke to waves and chop as well!

Is there a minimum age?

If you are comfortable in the water, you're welcome to join. We have had swimmers ranging from nine to seventy years old! Parents, if you're unsure if your child should participate, email us and we can discuss it. Children under 18 need to make sure their parents/guardians sign the waiver. You can download it here. Please note that the waiver you complete in the online registration is separate.

What if I need a break during a swim?

We have experienced staff members in kayaks for every swim. They are prepared to help you in any situation. You are also not obligated to complete a course, and should you feel too fatigued, you’re welcome to head to the dock at any time.

Where can I keep my personal belongings during community swims at Berkeley?

Break-ins at the Berkeley Marina are very rare, and generally it is quite safe. That said, we encourage you to take your valuables with you. Coaches are always happy to place your keys and wallets in their pockets, and to keep an eye on your bags on the dock.

Are there private lessons available?

Yes! Our staff is made up of knowledgeable, experienced swimmers who are happy to give technique clinics if you want. They are trained to individualize each lesson and tailor it to your unique training goals. They are $120 a session. Learn more here.

What should I bring with me on a swim?

A cap and goggles are necessities for each swim. Optional items include a wetsuit, ear plugs, a hood (for colder months), gloves & booties.

My swim event was canceled due to unsafe conditions, now what?

Occasionally there are days when it’s unsafe for both our swimmers and safety crew on the water. This is very rare, but it has happened before– its the Bay afterall! If you are a swimmer and your event is canceled we will do everything we can to reschedule but are limited by certain circumstances such as permitting and boat availability. That said, when you sign up for these events please know you assume the risk of cancelation. If you are a member of our swim support crew and your event was canceled, please understand you also assume the risk of an event being canceled due to unsafe conditions on the water.

I am worried about water quality in the Bay. Where can I find information on this?

Odyssey Swim Club is partnered with the San Francisco Estuary Institute to highlight our role as a stakeholder in the health of our Bay waters. Each year they release information to the public on water quality that can be found here

I want to schedule a private swim that accommodates my travel plans. Is this possible?

We recommend scheduling your swim before you book your travel plans. Often we need to ensure that proper coast guard permitting as well as favorable tides are in place before we can book a swim and we ask for 75 days to accomplish this. Please contact us if you’d like to begin scheduling your private swim in the Bay!

Do you have memberships?

Yes! Odyssey Swim Club has four different tiers of memberships available to purchase. Each with their own unique benefits. Please see our memberships page for further information.

I’m not ready to purchase a membership. Are drop-in swims available?

Absolutely. Many folks want to test the waters before committing to open water. If you want to purchase a single community swim, you may do so via our TeamUp website or our on site coach can help you at the dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Menu

Events

Social Media

12+

ODYSSEY

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Updated

Menu

Events

Social Media

12+

ODYSSEY