Swim Tahoe • Professional swim piloting
Lake Tahoe
Marathon Swimming
Three established courses. Experienced USCG licensed captains. Dedicated escort vessels for marathon and ultramarathon swim attempts on Lake Tahoe.
Bring the preparation. We bring the local knowledge, deliberate planning, and piloting your attempt demands.
Professional pilotingLicensed captains and dedicated escort vessels
Independent observation requiredEvery attempt follows LTOWSA rules
Unassisted attempts onlyNo wetsuits or neoprene permitted
Proven on Lake Tahoe
349 successful swims piloted.
A Lake Tahoe swim season worth planning ahead for.
Our captains have successfully piloted 349 marathon and ultramarathon swims on Lake Tahoe’s Length, True Width, and Vikingsholm courses through 2026. Behind that number are years of preparation, long nights on the water, and swimmers who trusted us with their attempts.
Successful Swims Piloted
Across the Length, True Width, and Vikingsholm. Experience that informs the planning and piloting of your attempt.
Seasons Fully Booked
Every available Lake Tahoe swim slot sold out in seven of our last nine seasons. Apply in September for the following summer.
First True Width Swim
Our cofounder Sylvia Lacock became the first person to swim the course. Our connection to Tahoe starts in the water.
Apply Early. Stay in Consideration.
For the best choice of swim dates, apply in September of the year before you plan to swim. Our Lake Tahoe season has limited capacity, and available dates fill quickly.
If your preferred dates are full, apply anyway. We maintain a limited standby list, and occasional openings arise when swimmers withdraw because of injury or scheduling changes. We welcome applications throughout the year. Standby placement does not guarantee a swim date.
Choose your crossing
Three courses. A serious commitment.
Compare the distance and route, then explore the course details. Each Lake Tahoe attempt calls for preparation for water temperature, altitude, darkness, and changing conditions.
Ultramarathon
The Length
21.3 miles / 34.3 km
South Lake Tahoe to Incline Village. The longest of our three courses requires preparation for a sustained effort across the lake.
Marathon
True Width
12 miles / 19.3 km
A crossing between Homewood and Glenbrook. A direct line across Lake Tahoe with prolonged exposure to open water conditions.
Marathon
Vikingsholm
10.6 miles / 17.1 km
Cave Rock to Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay. A marathon crossing with an iconic finish and the same commitment to preparation.
Complete all three as ratified solo swims to earn the LTOWSA Lake Tahoe Triple Crown.
Experience behind the escort
Local knowledge.
Deliberate preparation.
Lake Tahoe brings altitude, night swimming, and changing water and weather conditions to marathon swimming. Summer water can feel warm to swimmers accustomed to San Francisco Bay, but temperature, exposure, and comfort vary with the conditions and time spent in the water. Our experienced captains and dedicated escort vessels bring local knowledge and deliberate preparation to every attempt.
Understand who will be on the water with you and how we approach the work.
Prepare for the lake
Altitude
The lake sits at approximately 6,225 feet. Include arrival and acclimatization in your preparation.
Water temperature and darkness
Train for the conditions and expected duration of your course. Discuss start times, feeding, and crew responsibilities before your attempt.
Changing weather
Wind and surface conditions affect planning and decisions on the water. A scheduled attempt does not guarantee a completed crossing.
From preparation to the water
Plan your attempt in three steps
Choose your course
Review the route, distance, rules, and swim format. Consider your training and open water experience.
Request your dates
Use our booking page to review the current process and submit your preferred dates. A request begins the conversation.
Prepare your swim plan
Coordinate the attempt, independent observation, crew responsibilities, and required preparation before entering the water.
Know before you book
Direct answers.
Better preparation.
Start with these essentials, then use our detailed guides to plan your Lake Tahoe swim.
Can I swim in a wetsuit?
No. We exclusively pilot unassisted marathon and ultramarathon attempts. No assistance, including wetsuits or neoprene, is permitted.
Do I need an independent observer?
Yes. Every attempt requires an independent observer assigned by LTOWSA and adherence to its rules. Observer and ratification fees are additional to our piloting fees.
Which course should I choose?
Compare Vikingsholm at 10.6 miles, True Width at 12 miles, and the Length at 21.3 miles. Consider route, expected duration, training, and experience together. Contact us to discuss your preparation.
Where can I see recognized swims?
LTOWSA publishes its ratified swim records. View LTOWSA results for independently reviewed attempts.
Clear roles. Consistent standards.
We pilot your attempt.
LTOWSA observes it.
We exclusively pilot marathon and ultramarathon swim attempts conducted under Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association (LTOWSA) rules. Every attempt requires an independent observer assigned by LTOWSA.
Our captains operate the escort vessel and coordinate the piloting. The independent observer documents the attempt. LTOWSA reviews the observer record for ratification and recognition.
Before you request dates
All Lake Tahoe swims we offer are unassisted marathon or ultramarathon swim attempts. Wetsuits, neoprene, and physical support from the escort vessel or another person are not permitted.
Every attempt follows Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association (LTOWSA) rules and requires an independent observer assigned by LTOWSA. LTOWSA reviews the observer record for ratification and recognition.
Observer and ratification fees are additional to our piloting fees. Review the LTOWSA rules and fees as you plan your attempt.
Read the LTOWSA rules ↗
Review observer and ratification fees ↗
Your preparation. Our piloting.
Put your Lake Tahoe swim in motion.
Choose your course, understand the requirements, and tell us when you want to swim. We will help you work through the next steps.