Dive into the WOW Swim

WOW Swim Logo

About WOW Swim

The WOW Swim (Wisconsin Open Water Swim) is a USMS sanctioned open water race. It was created by Mary Schneider, Wisconsin Masters Chairperson and Jen Vallo, Wisconsin Masters Open Water Chair, as a way to introduce more Masters swimmers to the joys of open water competition. Thanks to our safety director, Lauren Jensen-McGinnis, owner of Tri Faster Coaching and Events. 

This year’s race will take place on Saturday June 15 at 8:30 am at Fox Brook Park in Brookfield, WI. It is in a lovely, small spring-fed lake with no motors (so very few waves!) and should be a fun morning of competition for all.

2023 Race Results

Schedule

7:30 - 8:20 am

Check in

All swimmers must check-in at the Check-in tent to pick up their Event bag.

8:20 AM

Mandatory Pre-Race Safety Meeting

All participants must attend the mandatory Pre-race Safety Meeting at 8:20 am. Participants who do not attend the safety meeting will not be allowed to swim in the event.

8:00 - 8:20 am

Warm-ups

8:25 AM

Race Instructions and National Anthem

8:30 am

Start of Race

10:00 am

Awards

Awards will be presented to the first three places overall in both the 1000 meter and 1500 meter events, for both men and women. There will be separate categories for wetsuit and non-wetsuit winners. Awards will also be given to the first place in each age group for both men and women, in the 1000 meter and 1500 meter races. Overall winners will not be eligible for age group awards. All swimmers will be eligible for raffle prizes.

SWIM ATTIRE & WATER TEMP

The Wisconsin Open Water Swim is a USMS sanctioned event and governed by USMS rules. This includes the restrictions concerning water temperature and wetsuit use.  No wetsuits will be permitted if the lake water temperature is above 78 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Swimwear shall include only a swimsuit, cap or caps (including those made of neoprene when the water temperature is not greater than 78 degrees Fahrenheit), and goggles. Swim caps shall be defined as head gear conforming to a traditional swim cap design and shall not extend to protect the neck and shoulders. Nose clips, ear plugs, and wristwatches are also allowed. The swimmer shall wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials and not contain clasps or zippers. For both men and women, the swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulder nor below the ankles.

Swimwear that does not meet the requirements for category I swimwear shall be considered category II swimwear. Swimwear may include a swimsuit or wetsuit, cap or caps, goggles, armbands, and rash guards. Nose clips, ear plugs, wristwatches, and grease are also allowed. Wetsuits will only be allowed for the non-competitive 500 M event.

More information on conforming swimwear is available in section 303.4 of the USMS Open Water and Long Distance Swimming Rules.

Fees

2024 USMS registration is required of all participants. USMS One Event Registration is available for an additional fee of $25.

Races

There will be a 1000 meter and a 1500 meter swim. Wetsuits will be allowed in both distances and will be scored in a separate category.  The start will be in the water off the beach area. The finish will be in the grassy area off the beach. There will be chip timing for these events. Current 2023 USMS Rules will govern this event.

Waves

All heats will start 1 minute apart. Heat 1: 1500 meter wetsuit. Heat 2: 1500 meter non-wetsuit. Heat 3: 1000 meter wetsuit. Heat 4: 1000 meter non-wetsuit.

Time Limit

A 75-minute time limit will be in effect for all swimmers. The 75 minutes begins at the start of the 1500 meter race.

Timing

Race will be chip timed. A $30 fee will be charged for chips that are not returned.

1000 meter

Wetsuit and Non-wetsuit races
Male and Female

1500 meter

Wetsuit and Non-wetsuit races
Male and Female

Registration closing

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Online entries will open on March 1, 2024, and will close at 11:59 p.m on June 8, 2024. Paper entries must be received by the Event Director by Friday June 7,  2024. No late entries, no race day entries, no exceptions. Entries are limited to 110 total for all events. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors for making this a race a reality!

 

  • Peggy Knaack: Logo Design
  • Nancy Riggs: race photography

Swim Course

This is an open water lake swim. The 1000 meter race will be 2 loops around the course, and the 1500 meter will be 3 loops around the course.  The course consists of three turn buoys. For all races, the start will be an in-water start off the beach area. The finish will be in the grassy area just off the beach. There will be lifeguards and water safety persons stationed in the water around the course.

Safety

  • The Safety Director will be located on the beach, along with an additional lifeguard.
  • There will be 7 combined lifeguard/safety persons located around the course.
  • There will be radio communication between the safety director and the water personnel in the event of a swimmer needing assistance.
  • In the event of inclement weather, the Event Director will have the final authority as to whether or not to conduct the event. 
  • In addition, all swimmers must wear the electronic timing chip and swim cap provided at check-in and have their race number written on their arm. 

 

Water Temperature

Water temperature is expected to be in the range of 74 to 77 degrees. If the temperature exceeds 78 degrees at race time, wetsuits will not be permitted.

Water Quality

Water quality is monitored by Waukesha County. Testing is performed on a regular basis, in particular for E. Coli and blue-green algae.

Directions

Take Exit 295 from I-94, go North on County Hwy F (Redford Blvd) to Watertown Rd. Turn right on Watertown Rd, then turn left onto North Ave. At the Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto N Barker Rd. Go approximately 1 mile, and shortly after crossing railroad tracks, turn left into the park.