Swimming Events in California
California has 7 upcoming open water swims scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. Catalina Island leads with 1 swims, followed by Folsom (1), Oceanside (1), and San Pedro (1). The remaining 43% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Showing all 7
Swimming
Catalina Channel Swim
Catalina Island, CA
Swimming
Catalina Channel Swim
July 15, 2026
Catalina Island, CA
Swimming
MPSF Open Water Championships - Masters/Open 5 Kilometer and 1 Kilometer Open Water Swim
October 17, 2026
Long Beach, CA
Frequently asked questions
What types of open water swimming events are there?▾
Events range from short 1-mile swims to marathon distances of 10+ miles. Categories include bay crossings, lake swims, ocean swims, river swims, and channel crossings. RACE lists open water events across the US.
What is the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming?▾
The Triple Crown consists of the English Channel (21 miles), the Catalina Channel (20.2 miles), and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (28.5 miles). The Catalina and Manhattan swims are both listed on RACE.
What gear do I need for open water swimming?▾
Essential gear includes goggles, a brightly colored swim cap, and a wetsuit (if water temperature allows). Many swimmers also use a safety buoy for visibility. Some events require specific gear — check the event page for details.
What are the biggest open water swims in the US?▾
Notable events include Escape From Alcatraz (Sharkfest), Swim Around Key West, the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, and Swim Miami. The Manhattan Island Marathon Swim is one of the most iconic distance events. Find them on RACE.