There are so many reasons not to swim at the 46th annual 1-mile Bob’s Dreaded Nighttime Swim from La Jolla Cove to La Jolla Shores Beach, just north of San Diego, California on August 27th:
- It is a dark swim that starts at 9:00 pm
- There is no shuttle or taxi service back to the start of the one-way night swim.
- Sharks have been sighted in the area.
- Big fish feed at night.
- There are zero support craft, escort kayakers, or people to help.
- You may get separated from the main group and find yourself alone in the darkness
- You may be injured or possibly die, a risk everyone is previously warned about.
- Water temperature is variable.
But that does not stop hundreds. The most adventuresome and hardened swimmers find plenty of reasons to participate…
- It is a free event…not too many of those in high-cost California.
- It is held on a full moon…if the swimmers are treated to clear skies, then there is not total darkness.
- The finish is bright lights on La Jolla Shores Beach.
- It is an experience that many find thrilling and unforgettable.
- Swimmers may wear fins if they wish.
- No registration or RSVP is necessary; swimmers can simply show up at 8:45 pm for the pre-swim briefing.
Who Is Bob?
Participants from out of town may ask, “Who is Bob?”
Bob is Bob West (passed away in 2022, USA, MSF bio here, shown below with his wife Marva). West achieved the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming in 1996 after taking up ocean swimming at the age of 50.
- Manhattan Island Marathon Swim in 9 hours 37 minutes at the age of 53
- Catalina Channel in 16 hours 55 minutes in 1991 at the age of 55
- English Channel in 15 hours 35 minutes in 1996 at the age of 60
- Catalina Channel in 15 hours 49 minutes at the age of 62
- His last marathon swim was the 15 km Clean Half in Hong Kong at the age of 78 in 2014
For more information about the La Jolla Cove Swim Club-hosted free event, email bobsdreadedswim@gmail.com.
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