Sure, it’s great to return home after your Hawaii vacation with a great base-tan and snapshots of your most memorable moments on the islands. But, what if you returned home boasting of a first place finish in a North Shore swim race? Now, THAT’S something to envy!
The prize can be yours this Saturday, June 25th during the second race of the Surf n Sea North Shore Swim Series (there are five swim races total) on Saturday, June 25th at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore. The race is officially called Cholo’s Waimea Bay Swim, an homage to Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican Restaurant, a legendary eatery in the surf town of Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore and the site of the day’s post-race festivities.
Here are some of the details for those of you ready to burn-off those Hawaii vacation calories:
- The race starts at 9 am, but check-in begins at 7 am (registration will be accepted at Waimea Bay Park)
- The route is 1.2 miles that takes place completely inside the bay
- Cost the day-of-race is $70 and includes a t-shirt (if available) and post-race food, festivities, and fun
- Parking is available at St. Peter and Paul Church for a small donation or at Waimea Valley for a fee
The Cholo’s Waimea Bay Swim is one of the more popular races, since it caters to beginners AND experts. And, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to swim in the pristine, gentle waters of Waimea Bay. In fact, race organizers anticipate spotting Honu, Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, maybe even some Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.
But, you better take to the highway early, especially if you’re staying in Waikiki. Last weekend, more than 650 swimmers joined-up for the 1-mile swim from Sunset Beach to Pipeline in the Aloha Salads Summer Sprint. And, the North Shore of Oahu is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Hawaii — its fantastic beaches, amazing vistas, and cool culture are just a few of the many reasons the North Shore of Oahu is the focus of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s Secret Circle Island Tour.
If you can’t make this Saturday’s swim, you have the opportunity to participate in upcoming swim events. But, beware! Each event is longer than the one before. The Cholo’s Waimea Bay Swim is part of the North Shore Swim Series, a five-race festival of progressively longer events that give swimmers the opportunity to swim the “7 mile miracle” of Oahu’s North Shore.
Here’s the line-up of future swim races, so you can plan ahead:
The third swim, the Chun’s to Waimea Bay Swim, is a 1.6M swim starting at Chun’s Reef and ending at Waimea Bay on July 9th. This course can be challenging as competitors often swim upwind for much of the course. Participants say the spectacular views on offer from this course are well worth the effort.
The fourth race is a recent addition to NSSS, the 1.9M Laniakea to Puaena Point Swim on July 23rd. From a sea turtle haven to a popular surf spot, this scenic course offers swimmers unparalleled views along this exceptional stretch of North Shore coastline.
The final swim, the North Shore Challenge, is from Ehukai Beach Park, the home of the famous Banzai Pipeline, to Waimea Bay on August 9th. At 2.3M it is the longest and most prestigious of the 5 swims. It is considered the most scenic both above and below the water.
If you’re visiting Hawaii anytime this summer, chances are you’ll have the opportunity to swim in one of the North Shore Swim Series’ events. So, suit up! And, make your mark on Oahu’s North Shore!
