SSC all set for ocean swim

While the Saipan Swim Club is about to host some of the top swimmers from Palau, Japan, and Guam in this weekend’s major international, the tankers are also making the final preparations for the club’s 28th Annual Ocean Swim.

Only three days remain before SSC head coach Michael Stewart and his medal-winning waders roll out the liquid carpet in the Saipan Lagoon, and the crowd has already swelled to allow for 133 people to take the plunge.

This Sunday, March 19, the SSC will put its finest up against all comers as swimmers take on the task of rounding the tanks—some even twice. One lap around the World War II-era tanks that stand guard in the lagoon is estimated at 1,300m, so the double-lappers will have a 2,500m challenge on their hands.

The challenge will be a bit different for all comers as currently there are 17 youngsters who have opted for the 600m course, 18 taking a bite out of the 1,000m course, 32 swimmers lapping the tanks for the 1,300m course, and 66 intrepid strokers challenging the 2,500 course.

Stewart said that he was pleased with the number so far but that he is hoping for a wave of 100 swimmers in the 2,500m event. The good news is that there is still time to enter the event.

While those with extensive swimming experience will have an advantage in the water, the depth around the course is such that one may stand upright at any time. Just to be sure, the swim club will have a mini-armada of kayaks afloat around the course to watch the waders take on the tanks.

The annual event is one of the biggest fund raisers for the organization that consistently produces medals and championships both at home in the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool as well as overseas, and just like always, the public is encouraged to get into the swim.

Registration for all of the events is between 7-8am, and the races will be staggered between 8am and 8:50am, followed by brunch at 9:30am.

The cost to participate in the 28th Annual SSC Ocean Swim is $40 and includes a race T-shirt, certificate, and brunch awards ceremony at Saipan World Resort. It’s still not too late to enter as registration forms are available at any of the swim team members and Stewart said that he would send them via email to all who contact him at wfla@hotmail.com.