Fees
2024 USMS registration is required of all participants. USMS One Event Registration is available for an additional fee of $25.
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.
All swimmers must check-in at the Check-in tent to pick up their Event bag.
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.
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.
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.
2024 USMS registration is required of all participants. USMS One Event Registration is available for an additional fee of $25.
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.
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.
A 75-minute time limit will be in effect for all swimmers. The 75 minutes begins at the start of the 1500 meter race.
Race will be chip timed. A $30 fee will be charged for chips that are not returned.
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.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors for making this a race a reality!
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.
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 is monitored by Waukesha County. Testing is performed on a regular basis, in particular for E. Coli and blue-green algae.
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.