Cove swim a memorable summer-starting tradition

It’s that time of year again when the water off La Jolla is a bit calmer and bit warmer. If you ask Bob West, it’s “a great way to kick off the summer” with an annual swim.

West, vice president of the La Jolla Cove Swim Club, started the 1.5-mile Pier to Cove Swim about 10 years ago. Last year, the event saw more than 200 participants make the open-water swim, which starts just below the Scripps Institute. This year should be just as successful for an event that has a wide range of swimmers, both in ages and abilities.

“You can swim in regulation with goggles and Speedo, or even in a wet suit and fins for safety,” West said. “It’s a club swim so we’re trying to get as many friendly folks in the water as possible.”

And that means that if you’re 16 or older, you too can make the swim. West said there are swimmers as old as 70 who will embark on the 2.5-kilometer distance.

If you have not already registered, there is still time to do so right up until an hour before the race, which begins at 9 a.m. West advises people to show up early who are going to register the morning of the event.

To be eligible, swimmers must be members of the La Jolla Cove Swim club, non-members will have an extra fee, but can still participate. The entry fee ranges from $30 to $40.

As for prizes, trophies are awarded to the first male and female regulation swimmers (those without wetsuits and fins).

The event is for experienced ocean swimmers who have prepared for 1.5 miles of “rough water” conditions.

Proceeds go to support local swimmers who do channel swims as well as helping out with scholarships to local junior lifeguards.

For more information on the club