We are a community of passionate Open Water swimmers from San Francisco Bay.
We aim to provide a safe, guided, and fun environment for people to uncover a lifelong and life-affirming love for swimming.
08/31/2026
Thanks to everyone who came out to swim with us today. How did you like the “Work Toward Recovery” workout? It was tough swimming West against the incoming tide but you all did it! Didn’t it feel great swimming East?Enjoy your week and we will see you next Sunday back at Aquatic Park.
08/20/2026
Do you want to feel more confident swimming in The Bay?
Do you have trouble navigating and sighting swimming in The Bay?
Do you find that your stroke feels uncoordinated swimming in The Bay?
Would you like to learn how to relax swimming in The Bay?
Do you think you would feel more comfortable with a calmer place to swim and with experienced coaches to help you progress so you are more comfortable at a group swim?
SAN FRANCISCO SWIM IS NOW OFFERING EXTRA ATTENTION SWIM CLINICS TO HELP YOU GAIN CONFIDENCE AND ABILITY:
Coach Kathy Winkler and coach John ODea are offering personalized swim clinics to help you gain Bay swimming confidence and mastery. Coaches Kathy and John will teach you in warmer, calmer water to help you gain confidence and skill level. Our coaches have taken dozens of swimmers and introduced them to Bay swimming using nerve calming methods designed to allow swimmers to progress quickly. They've chosen the safest locations to boost your confidence.
To participate you should be able to swim 4 pool lengths (100 yards) freestyle without stopping and with decent side breathing. Coaches will take your competency and put you in a safe environment for you to progress.
The teaching locations are Schoonmaker Beach in Sausalito and McNears Beach in San Rafael. Schoonmaker is very gradual depth and enclosed by boat docks 150 yards wide. Perfect for teaching as some kids started there and now have completed The English Channel. McNears is also gradual depth and offers the next progression for open water swimming. Our last clinic will help you know what to expect if you are going to do the Sgrail Marin County Triathlon this October.
If your goal is to feel more comfortable and proficient swimming in SF Bay, sign up for San Francisco Swim clinics.
Clinics are the following dates:
August 22 9am Schoonmaker Beach
August 29 9 am Schoonmaker Beach
September 12 9 am Schoomaker Beach
September 26 9 am McNears Beach
Clinics are $30 per class for members and $50 for non members . Please sign up in advance.
San Francisco Swim – Alcatraz & SF Bay Open Water Swimming The team at San Francisco Swim has been swimming, leading, and organizing open water swim events in the San Francisco Bay for over 20 years. Each swim is planned and coordinated by a group of local experts with vast experience and knowledge of water conditions in the bay. All swims are sanctioned by...
There is still time to register and join us for our biggest event of the year – the annual race from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park, an exhilarating swim honoring the incredible legacy of our friend, Pedro Ordenes, who completed over 1,000 Alcatraz crossings.
The 1.25-mile course challenges swimmers to brave the bay’s thrilling waters, navigating strong currents and unpredictable conditions in the shadow of Alcatraz Island. This race is more than just a test of endurance—it’s a tribute to the perseverance, grit, and history that make Alcatraz legendary. Swimmers of all levels, from seasoned open-water competitors to dedicated first-timers, are invited to share in this unforgettable experience. Embrace the adventure, and be a part of this extraordinary event that honors both Pedro’s inspiring achievements and the timeless lore of Alcatraz.
San Francisco Swim will be donating all after cost proceeds from the event to the Stand Up to Cancer Foundation in honor of Pedro . Visit our site @ www.sanfranciscoswim.com to register.
08/08/2026
Another great swim in the books. Alcatraz to Angel Island. A little wind and chop but these swimmers did an awesome job crossing and landing on Angel Island. We had dolphins in the water and a coyote on the beach. You never know what your going to see around the bay.