Swim Course Description
The granddaddy marathon swim on Lake Tahoe – the Length. 21.3 miles of fresh water, stars, mountain air, a sunset and sunrise is a treat for any swimmer seeking a challenge and beauty in a 2024 marathon swim.
Do not underestimate this swim. It isn’t simply a long swim in a large pool. The Length is a hard swim! Altitude, swimming in the dark, and challenging surface conditions can hand a swimmer more than they expect. If you have the English Channel, Catalina Channel, 20 Bridges or other long distance marathon swim in your past or present, the Length of Lake Tahoe will not disappoint.
The Length of Lake Tahoe is an amazing accomplishment with her cryptozoological lake monster “Tessie”, making it part of the “Triple Crown of Lake Monster Swims” joining Loch Ness (“Nessie”), and Lake Memphremagog (“Memphre”) In Search of Memphre to complete the series.
The longest of the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association’s “Tahoe Triple Crown”.
Distance
21.3-Miles / 34.3-Km
Swim Types
Solo, Tandem*, Relays (2-4 people, 1-hour shifts)
Start Time
Sunset
Estimated Duration
9-18 Hours (past results)
Start Location
Camp Richardson – South Lake Tahoe, California
Finish Location
Hyatt Regency beach – Incline Village, Nevada
Course Notes
The first portion of the swim is in darkness requiring the swimmer to wear the necessary lights on the cap and tail of the suit (lights provided by us). Swimmers must be comfortable swimming in the dark and sighting off of the escort vessel.
As with all Lake Tahoe swims, altitude can be an issue. We find this particularly the case on the Length swims with swimmers developing cramps and vertigo. Night swimming and difficulty sighing on a horizon given the width of the lake presents a very real challenge for even the most experienced swimmer.
Swimmers will meet at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe for travel to the swim start.
For safety, and by request of the property owners of the start and finish locations, swimmers are NOT to swim through the mooring fields. Swimmers must stay with their escort vessel(s) and use the designated pathways for travel.
Please read the frequently asked questions section for additional information about swimming Lake Tahoe.
*Tandem swims are for experienced tandem swim partners who have trained together and are of similar pace over long distances.
Please contact us to discuss two-way swims before booking.
