Frequently asked Questions
CAN ANYONE PARTICIPATE?
Swim The Loop 3.5 is for intermediate to the advanced swimmer and this event is considered an endurance event. The distance exceeds 5K (3.1 miles) and with tide changes and time cut-offs the novice swimmer may find this swim a bit challenging for their level.
Mott's Channel Sprint is meant for the beginner to advanced swimmer. The distance is 1.3 miles and can take anywhere from 25 minute to 60 minutes to complete. The tide change is not as noticeable in this swim making it easier than Swim The Loop.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED?
There is no thick black line to follow on this course or clear water to see all; so please utilize caution. Respect the water and the water will respect you. Throughout the course there are all sorts of marine life that live in the waters in which YOU will be swimming. You will be guided through the safest route around Harbor Island or point to point. Swimming off course can result in shallow marshy waters or close contact with docks and pilings. The shallow waters, docks, pilings contain barnacles and/or oysters that can harm you. If you need to rest or need aid raise your hand and help will come. In case of inclement/dangerous weather the race will be canceled and/or swimmers will be pulled out of the water. Safety is always first.
HOW IS THE COURSE MARKED AND ARE THERE AID STATIONS?
The course will be marked with 60" round orange marker buoy's, which are sight buoys and can be passed on either side. There will be an anchored boat at miles 1, 2, and 3 with water, gels, and Gatorade. There will be at least 1 kayaker/SUPer (stand up paddle boarder) between each buoy. One kayaker or SUPer will be with the lead swimmer and another will be with the last swimmer.
CAN I WEAR A WETSUIT?
This will be determined race week. Race Director Kristen will make the call depending on water temperature and weather. However, if the water temperature drops below 74 more than likely wetsuits will be allowed.
WHAT TYPES OF WEATHER CONDITIONS/WATER TEMPERATURES CAN I EXCEPT FOR RACE DAY?
Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach is beautiful in the months of September and October. The race will take place a day into the fall season and hurricane season does not end until November 30th. The average air temperature is 75° with an average water temperature of 75-79°. The average wind speed is between 5-10 mph and usually comes from the Southwest. On race morning the expected sunrise is 7:16am with a high tide of 4.96ft at 10:11am.
DOES THIS RACE BENEFIT ANY ORGANIZATION?
Yes, A portion of the race proceeds will go to the North Carolina Coastal Federation. We firmly believe in the importance of taking care of our coastline, since that is something that cannot be recreated. The funds will be allocated for restoration and environmental education work. Currently, the Coastal Federation is working with the Town of Wrightsville Beach and many coastal towns throughout NC on projects to preserve our clean swimming waters.
WHEN IS PACKET PICK-UP?
Packet pick-up will be Saturday 10/05 from 4:00-6:00pm at Dockside Restaurant. There will be packet pick up Sunday morning 7:30-8:30am. At packet pick-up you will receive your pre-race bag with your race cap, timing chip, race shirt, and swag.
Event information and updates will be sent out by email to all registered swimmers prior to race day.
IS THE PRE-RACE MEETING MANDATORY?
Nope. Since we went virtual, we highly recommend you watch our video and if you have questions ask them :)
WHAT IF THE RACE IS CANCELED?
If the event is canceled due to inclement weather prior to event weekend or morning of, no refunds will be issued. Registered swimmers will receive a 50% credit towards the 2024 race.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
We do not allow rollovers to future year’s races BUT you can transfer to another person if you wish to do so.
-Refund amount is based on time of request and base entry fee paid less a $5 administrative fee.
-Refund deadline for full refund (minus $5) – now through 6/30/23, 11:59pm
-Refund deadline for half refund (minus $5) – 7/01/24 through 8/15/23, 11:59pm
-NO refunds after 8/15/24
WHAT ARE THE AWARDS LIKE?
Top 3 overall males
Top 3 overall master males (40 and above)
Top 3 overall females
Top 3 overall master females (40 and above)
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO PARTICIPATE?
SWIM THE LOOP 3.5
The youngest age allowed will be 16. If you’re 16-17 years old you will need parental consent which will be found on the wavier and release form. Your age classification is determined by your actual age on the day of the race (10/15/24).
MOTTS CHANNEL SPRINT 1.3
Open to all novice, intermediate and advanced swimmers aged 11 and older. Age determination for this event is based on actual age the day of the race (10/15/24).
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
We need skilled kayakers and stand-up-paddle boarders.
We will also need general volunteering for race management, which will take place at Dockside Restaurant.
