Frequently Asked Questions compiled by Ned Denison

What is the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association (SBCSA)?

The SBCSA is a volunteer, non-profit organisation with Directors and members from around the world. We promote, inform, sanction and celebrate marathon open water swims. See Intent.

Why can’t I just have a friend drive me out to the Island in his boat and I start to swim?

You can swim any body of water anytime “at your own risk“ We have put together this organization to help candidates with important information, support and experience.

What an I expect from SBCSA?

You will be better prepared and have access to qualified crews and kayakers (who will not only improve your chances of making it but will safely attend to your needs should you become hypothermic ). Then when you have completed the crossing it will be independently sanctioned, you will get on the web site and have the opportunity to celebrate with others who have done the same. An unsanctioned swim can be personally gratifying but do not be surprised if others in the open water community do not accept it – perhaps as a qualification swim for their event!

What is the distance of the channel and how long will it take?

There are many possible channel crossings. They shortest is 12.4 road miles, the most popular is 20 road miles and the current longest solo swim was 24 road miles. Relay teams have done longer crossings. The SBCSA recognizes equally ALL crossings regardless of the distance. See the map (warning distances here are in nautical miles).

The quickest crossing was 5 hours and 19 minutes and the longest was 33 hours and 8 minutes (as of October 2007). See or log for more details. One of the SBCSA Directors Scott Zornig was involved in both!

The time of your swim will depend on many factors: which channel, conditions and your speed and fitness.

What conditions (temperatures, currents, winds, etc,) can I expect?

The real challenge of open water swimming is that you just never know what the conditions will be when you start! We can however guarantee that they will change constantly during your swim – if that helps you feel any better! The average water temperature in winter is 50-60 degrees F (10-15 C); in summer 60- 70 degrees F (15-21 C). Temperatures are generally warmest in September. Current is very mild compared to other channels but wind can be a major factor.

For more detailed information on conditions in the Channel see Conditions.

Can I see a list of others who have completed the swim?

Of course. See our Log.

All these facts – but what is it really like to make a swim?

Several swimmers have provided us with detailed accounts of their swim in Santa Barbara and other marathon open water swims. See News and Stories.

We can introduce you to a veteran if you wish to send a few direct questions, establish an email “inspiration relationship” or possibly train with for a few days!

How much will it cost me?

You should plan to stay in the Santa Barbara area for 3-5 days. You will incur costs for transportation to and around Santa Barbara, food and lodging, a boat and pilot, your SBCSA membership fee, and your SBCSA swim fee. We have compiled  some information on how much these items will cost. See our Support section.

The Franciscan Inn offers SBCSA members a 10-20% discount. They are conveniently located one block from the beach and offer rooms with or without a kitchenette. Additional hotel options can be found at SantaBarbaraCarFree.org or any Santa Barbara Visitor website.

How does the solo swim actually work (escort boat, crew etc.)?

Generally you will select a boat based on size and cost long before you arrive in Santa Barbara. The SBCSA will provide two captains, an observer and a safety kayaker. It is possible to charter your own boat and captains and the Association will simply provide the rest. You need two captains because the round trip will be at least 10 hours and they need relief!

You must provide your own crew who have primary responsible for your motivation and feeding. They can access years of experience from the Association in the area of “in the water motivation” but all swimmers should have decided and perfected their feeding routines long before arrival.

Unless conditions are terrible you start on the pre-agreed day. The boat motors out and drops you near your selected start spot on one of the Islands. You enter the water in the agreed suit/cap arrangement (we have categories for wetsuit and non-wetsuit swims and rules on cap material, thickness etc. See Rules). To start, you swim over from the boat and either stand on a beach above the water line or touch a cliff face – the observer starts their watch and you are off and going!

You swim near the escort boat – often with the kayaker on the other side. Feeding is generally done every 20 to 60 minutes and the swimmer is not allowed to touch the boat or kayak at any time. The observer can allow an escort swimmer for short periods – who can not physically assist or help draft the swimmer.

The crossing is completed when the observer acknowledges that you have either cleared the water line on a beach of touched a cliff face. The swimmer can generally tell because the horns are going, the crew screaming and applauding and more than a few will be shedding a few tears of relief and joy!

How does the relay swim differ?

Most things are the same but generally there are no escort swimmers, you do not feed in the water and you swim a set period of time (generally 1 hour) in rotation. It is possible to design a different type of relay, with advance review by the SBCSA.

What swimming pedigree and/or training do I need before I start a channel swim?

While winning a gold medal in the Olympics at the new 25 km distance would be a great place to start, many open water swimmers were not top class competitive pool swimmers. You ONLY need to be a determined, competent, experienced, strong swimmer and in good health to consider a channel swim.

Speed helps but is not critical. With that said, the SBCSA sets as a minimum speed 100 pool meters in less than 3 minutes and 1,000 meters in less than 30 minutes. Swimmers slower than this may not generate enough internal heat to cross safely plus the elapsed time may tax the captains, crew, kayaker and observer beyond healthy levels.

Weekly pool/open water swimming should be a minimum of 15,000 meters for solo swimmers and 7,500 meters for relay swimmers. Most solo swimmers would be in the range of 25,000 to 40,000 meters/week or more.

Where can I go to get a feel for the Santa Barbara Channel conditions?

OceanDucks is the local open water swimming group in Santa Barbara. The Ducks swim all year and welcomes guests – so come out for an advanced look! Halfway across the world in Cork Ireland our European Director‘s local open water club also welcomes visitors.

There are three components to “getting the feel.”

First, seek out open water as much as possible. This can be a river, pond, lake or ocean. Swim safely (that means NOT alone!) in just about all conditions (bar small craft advisory).

Second, fresh water and salt water swimming are different. If you are unable to get ocean training in – then plan on coming to Santa Barbara two weeks early to acclimatize.

Third, warm water swimming and Santa Barbara swimming are different. If you are unable to get in swims of several hours in 60 degrees F water – then plan on coming to Santa Barbara two weeks early to acclimatize.

What can I wear?

We have a traditional swimsuit/costume category, and a special category for wetsuit assisted swims. For details on each, see Rules.

What will I eat?

Most swimmers will drink carbohydrate replacement drinks and eat bits of bananas and whatever they have proven out during their training.

Do I have to do a qualification swim?

Depends on your age and swimming experience. SBCSA will decide.

What about the marine wildlife in the Santa Barbara Channel?

Please visit the National Marine Sanctuaries Channel Islands Encyclopedia.

How do I/we go about scheduling a swim?

You need to join the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association and file a Notice of Attempt. See forms. If you have additional questions, contact us.

We look forward to your visit!