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Peaks to Portland

 This year's event will be held on Saturday, July 13th, 2013.  Registration for the 2013 Peaks to Portland Swim is full. 

The Peaks to Portland swim, a 2.4 mile swim from Peaks Island to East End Beach in Porltand, is intended to encourage participation for people ages 16 and older with a variety of fitness levels and competitive experiences.  We encourage anyone who can swim a mile in less than 45 minutes to join us for this unforgettable swim across the shipping channel in Casco Bay to East End Beach!  It will be an open water swim of a life-time!

Why Enter an Open Water Swim Competition?

Swimming is good exercise (that's obvious). Swimming is a lifetime sport that benefits the body and the whole person! Swimming is a healthy activity that can be continued for a lifetime - and the health benefits swimming offers for a lifetime are worth the effort it takes to get to the swimming pool or open water. Swimming can develop a swimmer's general strength, cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. It can serve as a cross-training element to your regular workouts. Swimming with increasing effort to gradually increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity is easily accomplished in the water.  So why not give it a try!

Who Benefits From These Events?

The YMCA is committed to offering programs and services to the community that promote a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, regardless of ability to pay.  To that end, we turn no one away because of an inability to pay. 

The money raised at these events will go toward our financial assistance program.  1 in 3 members of the Y received some form of financial assistance in the past year.  The proceeds from these events will ensure that we continue to make our programs and services accessible to all.

In addition to supporting a healthy community, your participation in these events will provide you with an enjoyable day of family fun!  We look forward to seeing you on race day!

If you have questions, or need any further information than is provided on this website, please do not hesitate to contact us at 207-874-1111.

 

Race Information

Race Date: July 13, 2013
Weather Related Cancellation Date: July 14, 2013
Race Time: 9:00 am Race Start
Registration Fee:  $125

Race Event Schedule:

Thursday and Friday, July 11 & 12, 2013

7:00 am – 8:00 pm: Packet Pick Up at the Greater Portland Branch.
                              Please enter through High Street Entrance.

Saturday

6:00 – 6:30 am: Arrive at Casco Bay Ferry – unload kayaks
                        Purchase Ferry Tickets (if not already purchased)
6:30 – 6:45 am: Board Ferry
6:45 am: Ferry Leaves for Peaks Island
7:00 am: Ferry Arrives at Peaks Island
              Proceed to Beach Area at this time
              Waiver signing; body marking; pick up timing chips
8:00 am: Kayak Meeting
8:00 – 8:15 am: Swim Warm Up
8:20 am: Opening Ceremonies
9:00 am: Race Start
10:30 - 11:00 am: Award Ceremony

 

Race Categories

Everyone will be ceded by swim time. You are required to submit your swim time for a mile. We will then assign you a swim wave. Swim waves will be assigned by swim times. The fastest swimmers will leave first.

 

Entry Fees

Registration: $125 Fee
Fundraising: Minimum of $100 to be eligible for Fundraising Thank You gifts

The Peaks to Portland swim is for people age 16 and older.  Your entry fee includes your place at the start line, a great t-shirt, well-marked and supported course, post race refreshments, and a family fun filled day!

 

Packet Pick-up

Packet pick-up will take place Thursday, July 11th, and Friday, July 12th,  at the YMCA in Portland from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.  Please enter the Y though the High Street entrance.

You can also pick up your packets on race day by pre-arrangement only.  Contact Terry Swain for details.

 

Rules

Inclement Weather

The Coast Guard will be the entity who will decide if we can enter the water on race day.  If for any reason the race is rescheduled it will be July 14th, 2013.  If inclement weather please call 874-1111 after 5am to see if race has been postponed.

Cancellation Policy

Our YMCA is a registered (501)(c)(3) organization. There will be no refunds for this event.  Your registration is not refundable and is non-transferable.

 

Course Information

Click here for course map 

The swim will take place in Casco Bay starting at Peaks Island to East End Beach in Portland ME.  The course is 2.4 miles long.

There will be 5 waves.  You will be put in a swim wave based on your swim time.  Swim waves will go off with the fastest swimmers going first.

To qualify for the race you must be able to swim 1 mile in 45 minutes or less.  If you have not competed in the Peaks to Portland in the last 2 years you will have to furnish us with your swim time that has been witnessed by a life guard, or a swim coach.

All first time swimmers are expected to have boat support.  If you are over 18 and have completed several open water swims that can be documented you may sign a waiver to allow you to swim without a kayak. Click here for waiver.

 

Finish

After you have crossed the finish line, post race refreshments will be provided.  We will also have other post race festivities.  Please enjoy your day!

 

Waiver

Everyone must sign a waiver before you are allowed to race.  If you register online you will sign the waiver electronically.  If you do not register on-line the waiver is on the back of the registration form.  This must be signed off by a lifeguard, swim coach, or Aquatics Director and submitted by June 7th, 2013.  Swimmers who competed in the 2011-2012 Peaks to Portland events do not need to submit a qualifying swim time.

First Time Swimmer Kayak Waiver Form

Qualifying Time Form

 

Training

The Peaks to Portland training classes will eventually take you outside into the ocean for practice.  We will also start talking about the logistics of race day and how to prepare you and your kayaker for the race.  The trainings include overall fitness and strength training as well as pool time.  Training at the Northern York County Branch is two 7-week sessions.

CASCO BAY
    Date: April 14 - June 1
             June 2 - July 13
    Day:  Mon, Weds
    Time:  Mon: 7:00-8:00pm
              Weds: 6:30-7:30pm
    Ages:  16+
    Fee:  Members: $95; Non-Members: $190
    For more information, click here.

NORTHERN YORK COUNTY
    Date: April 14 - June 1
             June 2 - July 13
    Day:  Tues & Thurs, Sat
    Time:  Tues & Thurs:  7:45-8:45pm
              Sat: 6:00-8:00am
    Ages:  16+
    Fee:  Members: $95; Non-Members: $190
    For more information, click here.

PORTLAND
    Date: April 14 - June 1
             June 2 - July 13
    Day:  Tues & Thurs
    Time:  5:00-6:00pm
    Ages:  16+
    Fee:  Members: $95; Non-Members: $190
    For more information, click here.

 

Award Categories

Awards will be issued in the following categories for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place.

Top Female (3)
Top Male (3)
Male & Female Top YMCA Member (3)
Male & Female Top Non Wet Suit (3)

Certificates will be issued for the following categories  1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Place both Male & Female.

19 and under (3)
20 – 29 (3)
30 – 39
40 – 49
50 – 59
60 – 69
70+

 

Fundraising

One of the key components to the success of Peaks to Portland is fundraising! The money raised at this event will go toward our financial assistance program.  In total, the YMCA of Southern Maine provided more than $710,000 in financial assistance to members of our community last year.  The proceeds from this event will ensure that we continue to make our programs and services accessible to all.

All athletes who fundraise over $100 will receive the following prizes:

TOP FUNDRAISER  ($1,500 minimum)

• One-Year YMCA Membership
• Fleece
• Long Sleeve Performance Tee
• Beach Towel
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$1,000+ Fundraiser

• Fleece
• Long Sleeve Performance Tee
• Beach Towel
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$500+ Fundraiser

• Long Sleeve Performance Tee
• Beach Towel
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$250+ Fundraiser

• Beach Towel
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$100+ Fundraiser

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Included with Entry

• 2013 Peaks to Portland Cotton T-Shirt

If you would like to purchase additional T-Shirts for your Kayaker, Family, or Friends you can purchase them on-line.

 

Volunteers

We will need approximately 100 volunteers to make our race a success!  We hope you will be part of our team.  Volunteers will get a great t-shirt and will also get refreshments during their time with us.  We will need volunteers in the following areas:

• Pre-Race Registration (Friday & Saturday)
• Race Set Up (Friday)
• Life Guards (must be qualified)
• Finish Line
• Post Race Festivities
• Clean Up and Break Down

Remember, we can’t put a race on without volunteers!  We need your help!

Volunteer Consent Form

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Swimmer & Kayaker 

How old do I have to be to swim Peaks to Portland

The minimum age for all participants is 16 years old.

What do I wear for the race?

SWIMMER:  A wetsuit is not required but recommended. 

KAYAKER: The kayaker should wear something comfortable that is dry fit so that if you get wet you can easily dry.  Please bring sunscreen, a hat and water for both you and your swimmer.

How are the Waves assigned?

SWIMMER: Participants will be assigned to a wave based on swim time for mile. Fastest swimmers will go first.

KAYAKER:  You will line up in order of swim waves in the water.  The first swim wave kayakers should be the furthest from the start. Second swim wave will be closer to the swim start and so on.  Last swim wave will be the closest to the swim start.

What time will my Wave start?

SWIMMER & KAYAKER: The first swim wave will start at approximately 8:30am. Each subsequent swim wave will start 3 minutes later. A wave sheet with the start times will be provided to you on or before the packet pick-up on Friday.

What time should I arrive?

SWIMMER & KAYAKER: You should arrive at the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal at 6:00 am.  Leave plenty of time to unload your kayak, get your packet & ferry ticket if you did not pre-purchase your ferry ticket or pick up your packet on Thursday.  The ferry will leave at 6:45 sharp.  There will be no other ferry to get to the race start on time.  If you miss this ferry you will not be able to swim.  Kayakers are encouraged to kayak to Peaks Island from East End Beach.

What should I bring with me on race day?

SWIMMER:  Wetsuit, change of clothes, water & towel.  You can give your change of clothes & towel to a spectator at the finish line so that you can change when you finish. You may also ask your kayaker to hold it for you in the kayak.  We suggest using a clear plastic bag to put clothes in for your kayaker to bring back for you.  Please bring some water with you to give to your kayaker in case you need it during the swim. 

Where should I park? 

SWIMMER:  You may park at the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal. We will provide transportation back to the Terminal after the awards ceremony.  You could be dropped off at the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal and your spectators can park at the race finish at East End Beach.

KAYAKER:  You may park at the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal and transport to Peaks Island on the ferry.  The kayak will be free ($18 savings).  After the awards ceremony will we will transport you back to the ferry terminal where you will get your car and drive back to East End Beach to load your kayak. ALTERNATIVE:  Park at East End Beach and kayak over to Peaks Island swim start.

Where are the restrooms?

There are many restrooms available at the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal and at the swim start on Peaks Island and at the finish at East End Beach.

Where can a spectator get something to eat or drink?

We will have food available to purchase at the event.

Will there be professional medical personnel on hand?

Yes, we will have plenty of medical personnel on hand if needed. We will also have ambulances on location if they are needed.

*If you would like to sponsor the 2013 Peaks to Portland event, please contact Terry Swain.