Please read carefully prior to signing up for the 2025 Coral Reef Swim Race as details have been updated.

ARRIVAL DETAILS

Please plan on arriving to St. Croix no later than 9 AM on Saturday before the race. The last mandatory check-in session will end at 11:00 AM. 

While all racers are encouraged to attend the in-person course talk, swimmers new to the race must attend an in-person course talk.  There will be two available: 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.

RACE CONDITIONS

Participants should be aware that this is an open ocean point-to- point swim and swimmers may experience a variety of conditions that may impact their race experience.   While the general conditions of the racecourses are relatively calm and clear waters, the weather and sea conditions on race day may be less than ideal. This could include current changes, large waves, murky water, and/or rain cells that move in throughout the race.

Extreme race conditions may result in a change or cancellation of the race which may happen up until the start of the scheduled race time.

Please make sure to read through our Preparing for the Race Page to ensure you understand the complexities of the situation.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

There are kayaks for safety in the water.  If you are having trouble, stop and wave your swim cap and one will approach you.  If you elect to not finish the race, you must advise the finish line as soon as possible that you have withdrawn.

 If you are pulled from the race you will need to stay on board the boat until the race is over, as the boats are not allowed to leave the race course until the last swimmers have finished.  Once you get on shore, you must immediately report to the finish line to check in.

Swimmers are not allowed to touch the kayaks.  This will result in disqualification.  Swimmers may hold onto an anchored boat at a drink station provided they do not propel themselves forward.

RACE DISTANCES/TIME LIMITS

The race distance listed is the approximate distance that you will be swimming.   Participants should understand they may swim farther depending on how they navigate this point-to-point swim.

Five Mile: first turn: 85 minutes ( approx.1.9 miles), 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete the race.

Two Mile: 90 minutes to complete the course

 One mile: 60 minutes to complete the race.

Swimmers not meeting these time limits may be pulled from the race.

The last chance to change your race distance to a lower race distance is at pre-race check in. You may not change your race distance on race day.

SPECTATORS

Spectators are not allowed on the boats or in the taxis. Please discourage your friends and family from going out on their boats or vehicles to observe the race. Family members who wish to volunteer as an experienced kayaker, please reach out to coralreefswim@hotmail.com

SUNSCREEN

While it is vital for you to protect your skin, we ask that you wait to apply sunscreen to your arms until you complete race marking so the marker will stick. The Virgin Islands requires Reef-Safe Sunscreen.

WATER / GATORADE

Will be available from the boats (not from the kayakers). There will be a boat every mile so plan your liquids accordingly. This is a warm weather swim so hydration is important. Please pass the water bottles back to the boat crew.

SWIM CAPS

Must be worn. This helps the safety crew see you.

pre- RACE CHECK IN / COURSE TALK

Is Mandatory to attend. Anyone not checking in during race check in will automatically be scratched from the race.

EQUIPMENT

Only swimmers entered in the assisted division are allowed to use fins, snorkel, etc. Swimmers entered in the unassisted division may only wear swimsuit, goggles, and swim cap. Neither division can use noodles, kickboards, or other flotation devices. All swimmers may use an open water swim buoy if they choose.

race cancellation

The decision to cancel the race due to unsafe or unforeseen circumstances may happen prior to or during the race. In the event of race cancellation, no refund will be given.

ESCORTS/AGE LIMITS FOR MINORS:

1 Mile: Minimum Age: 11, Swimmers 11-12 need an individual kayak escort
2 Mile: Minimum Age: 12: swimmers 12-13 need an individual kayak escort
5 Mile: Minimum age: 14: swimmers 14-15 need an individual kayak escort