FAT SALMON FAQ's

I'm not on a swim team, am I eligible to swim in this race?

This event is open to all USMS (United States Masters Swimming) registered swimmers 18 years of age or older as of July 19, 2008. Any swimmer not USMS registered with PNA must submit a photocopy of their 2008 registration card prior to race check-in. If you are not on a team and thus not registered, USMS "One-Event Registration" is available for this event for $15.00.

How do I join PNA if I'm going to swim in more than one race this summer and don't want to pay the one-event fee?

Join PNA/Masters Swimming (USMS) by going to: http://registration.usms.org/ (For new and renewing members, for Pacific Northwest Aquatics, the club abbreviation is "PNA".)

Who do I talk to if I have questions about joining PNA?

Contact Arni Litt at pnaRegistrar@usms.org or (206) 849-1387

What if I don't know my PNA number or can't find my PNA card?

You can also use this website: http://registration.usms.org/ to locate your number for online registration or to get a new copy of your card.

How much is the entry fee?

ONLINE REGISTRATION (preferred, please!)

PAPER REGISTRATION

If you are not a registered USMS swimmer - add $15 to the above prices

How do I register online?

Click http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1571367 to go to active.com and register. If this link does not work, please go to http://www.active.com/swimming and search for "Fat Salmon".

I've heard there are time guidelines - what are they?

Participants who have not finished the 3.2 mile swim in 2 hours and 15 minutes will be pulled from the water.

NOTE: This translates into MAINTAINING a minimum of 2:35.00 for 100 yards in the pool, for the length of a mile. And MAINTAINING a minimum of 2:20.00 for 100 yards in the pool, for the length of a 3-mile swim. You can read more about this here: Time Guidelines and Safety Disclaimer

What happens if I don't think I can swim that fast, but I'm really comfortable in the water and I really want to participate in this event?

These guidelines are for the safety of everyone involved in the event. We're not trying to exclude anyone, but we must give fair warning that you may be pulled from the race if your speed puts others at risk. There are many reasons for this: Simply put, it's not an easy race to swim or support. For example, you are not going to be swimming close to shore for a quick exit. And we do not permit you to leave the water onto the nearest shore exit during the race. The lake is big and very deep and finding people is not easy. We only have a certain number of volunteers and boats to keep everyone safe. Should one or two swimmers be way behind the pack, and we need to start having one boat per person, this jeopardizes the safety of the entire group, therefore if the race directors and the volunteers and the lifeguards feel you are a safety risk, you will be pulled from the water. You can read more about this here: Time Guidelines and Safety Disclaimer

I'm a first timer - should I sign up for the '1' or '3' mile race?

Only you can make this decision, but if you have any doubt at all, we strongly recommend that you sign up for the shorter distance. We hope that you have an enjoyable experience, learn what this race is all about, and then come back the next year and try for the longer distance event with the proper knowledge and training. (NOTE: Time enforcement and the chances of you being pulled into a boat are a lot less likely in the 1-mile event!)

How cold is the water and should I wear a wetsuit?

Water temperature has been anywhere from 58°F to 72°F at this time of year. The lake can be much colder than the average swimming pool. Many participants choose to wear a wetsuit. There are definitely many who choose to go without as well, it really depends on your comfort level and cold water tolerance.

If we go to Madison Park for pre-race check-in, how do I get to the starting line?

Carpool!! At the end of the pre-swim race announcement, people with cars will be asked to raise their hands in order to help shuffle people into groups and get down to their starting lines. It always seems to work out. If you have a car we encourage you to drive as many people as you can, and if you need a ride, look for someone who has a car. These are friendly people! Then, after the race festivities are over, if you got a ride to the start, you can offer someone a ride back to pick up their car. Carpooling is necessary for the 3 mile event. Many swimmers do walk from Madison Park down to the start of the one mile event. You have oodles of time to get there.

How do I get my clothes and stuff back to the finish line?

There will be plastic bags given to everyone when you sign in. You'll mark them with your race number. Your gear goes in the marked bag at the start and put on a truck to be transported back to the Madison Park finish area.

Can I really swim for free if I bring kayakers or a motorboat and driver with me?

Entry fees will be reimbursed to anyone who can provide us with a motor boat and driver, OR two kayakers with paddlers. Your volunteer-friends must show up on the day of race in order for you to get the refund, so you must still pay to enter the race now. If you are not a USMS registered swimmer, you must still pay the "One Event" fee - that part of your entry fee is not reimbursable.

How do I get to Madison Park?

FROM SOUTH Driving on I-5 Northbound:

  1. Take the DEARBORN ST./ JAMES ST. exit, EXIT 164A, toward MADISON ST.
  2. (Don't exit on Dearboarn though...) Take the I-5 N exit on the LEFT toward MADISON ST/ CONVENTION CENTER/ VANCOUVER BC. 0.2 mi
  3. Take the exit toward MADISON ST./ CONVENTION PLACE. 0.2 mi
  4. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto 7TH AVE. 0.0 mi
  5. Turn RIGHT onto MADISON ST. 3.1 mi
  6. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto E HOWE ST., park will be in front of you.

FROM NORTH Driving on I-5 Southbound:

  1. Merge onto WA-520 E via EXIT 168B on the LEFT (toward BELLEVUE/ KIRKLAND).
  2. Take the MONTLAKE BLVD exit toward UNIV OF WASH. 0.2 mi
  3. Turn RIGHT onto MONTLAKE BLVD E. 0.0 mi
  4. MONTLAKE BLVD E becomes E MONTLAKE PL E. 0.1 mi
  5. E MONTLAKE PL E becomes 24TH AVE E. 0.5 mi
  6. Turn LEFT onto E INTERLAKEN BLVD. 0.4 mi
  7. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LAKE WASHINGTON BLVD E. 0.4 mi
  8. Turn LEFT onto E MADISON ST. 1.0 mi
  9. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto E HOWE ST., park will be in front of you.

From EAST SIDE, via 520 W:

  1. Take the LAKE WASHINGTON BLVD exit. 0.5 mi
  2. Turn LEFT onto LAKE WASHINGTON BLVD E. 1.2 mi
  3. Turn LEFT onto E MADISON ST. 1.0 mi
  4. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto E HOWE ST., park will be in front of you.

From EAST SIDE, via I-90W:

  1. Merge onto I-5 North
  2. Follow "Driving on I-5 Northbound" instructions above

DIRECTIONS FROM DOWNTOWN FERRY TERMINAL:

  1. Start out going NORTHWEST on ALASKAN WAY toward MARION ST. 0.0 mi
  2. Turn RIGHT onto MARION ST. 0.4 mi
  3. Turn LEFT onto 6TH AVE. 0.1 mi
  4. Turn RIGHT onto MADISON ST. 3.2 mi
  5. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto E HOWE ST., park will be in front of you.

If using www.mapquest.com to print your own directions for the destination use:

"Intersection of E. Madison St. and 43rd Ave. E." Zip code is 98112.

Where can I park?

PLEASE DO NOT park directly in front of the restaurants and businesses of the "downtown" Madison Park neighborhood adjacent to the park. (You will be ticketed!) Please park near Madison Park (south side) or in the nearby residential areas.