1) Coaching and Training PlansHave anxieties about the creatures lurking in the water? Miss the comfort of lane lines and a wall to hang onto? Hesitant about swimming in cold water? Can't quite get the hang of sighting and swimming in a straight line? Need help with your stroke technique? Preparing for your first open water swim? Or are you a seasoned swimmer getting prepared for a long-distance marathon swim?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then let me help.
Coaching
Whether it's a one-time consultation or ongoing coaching, I will make you feel comfortable and effective in the open water.
One time consultations are $90 for one hour-plus and include video-taped analysis of your stroke with a high definition video camera (the video is downloaded on a disc and mailed to you with a detailed written analysis - normally within 48 hours of our session). Ongoing coaching rates are based on the number of sessions, e.g. 2-5 60-minute sessions are $75. And all consultations come with a laminated copy of my "12 Tips for Aqua-Dynamic Excellence."
All open water coaching is done at Aquatic Park in San Francisco or at Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay. Coaching at other locations may involve a nominal travel fee.
Training Plans
If you're a seasoned swimmer looking to swim a long-distance event, I can develop a season-long training plan that will give you the edge for a successful swim. Using your current training regimen, I'll incorporate the same structure and methodology that helped me successfully complete a 6-mile swim in Key West (6/20/08), a 9-mile swim in Honolulu (12/9/08) and a 12-mile swim in Perth Australia (2/21/09). Costs run between $100 and $200 depending on the nature and length of your swimming goal and preparatory training period.
Testimonials
"Swimming is still not my favorite but I definitely improved on my original [Wildflower swim leg] time. You were great and if I didn't say it before...you made all the difference between a long, panicked swim and a long relaxing one!" - Dawn K
"Had Wildflower Tri yesterday. My mental demons appeared after 100 yards in the water but I blew out the "last candle on the cake," sucked it in and completed the swim in 27:08. Thank you so much for being in my corner!" - Dan B
"Thanks again for a great lesson and a fun morning! I really appreciate your guidance through the water (sort of like having a guardian angel in a kayak) and I was amazed how my swimming improved." - Vickie S
"Thanks a lot Gary! I improved my time from last year's swim by 10:33. That may not mean much since there was more assistance from the tide this year but I sure felt great getting out of the water and it helped me to do better for the rest of the [Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon]. I know that my performance benefited from your guidance and I hope I get more opportunities to do [Alcatraz] again." - George B
"Thanks again for boosting my confidence 100 percent with the swim. Seriously...I am so much more at ease about the swim." - Perry S
"Hey Gary! Thanks for your great coaching today. You're the best! I may actually be able to do this Alcatraz swim after all. Now I'm beginning to stress about the run. Remind me, why do I sign up for these events?" - Marcella C
"Gary, a big THANK YOU for all your help this summer...from helping me with my stroke [to] inspiring me to ditch the wetsuit - you've helped make my 2009 summer a very memorable one...Thank you!" - Greg K
BEFORE Alcatraz
"My main goal is to reduce my initial anxiety...[I] have a problem with catching my breath and feeling that I am having a panic attack."
AFTER Alcatraz
"I jumped in the water and did not panic. I was so relaxed and actually enjoyed it. I am definitely going to do it next year...Thanks again for all your support - it really helped." - Rose R
"Thanks so much for the advice you gave me to help my shoulder. I practiced reaching lower in the water instead of straight out...I am happy to report that my shoulder is pain free this morning." - Suzanne G.
"I want to tell you how much "one-eyed breathing" has helped my stroke. Everything feels much easier and smoother. I know my speed has increased [because] I am pulling ahead of people I was swimming right beside before." - Terri H.
"Just though I'd [give] you a quick update. I'm definitely using a lot less energy moving at the same speed. I seem to cover the laps much more comfortably now with energy still left at the end. I find that actually trying harder doesn't mean I speed up - I just expend more energy; relaxing and gliding and actually slowing things down seems to have more effect." - Sian T.
"I want to tell you the swimming tips you gave us really helped. In the past couple of days, I've dropped 2 seconds off my fastest 100 yards annd have done it several times now so it must be these modifications! The best part is I don't feel like I'm exerting any extra energy!" - Beccah R.
"I want to thank you for your swim training prior to the Alcatraz Tri. What you may find interesting is...swimming has been my worst event consitently for the last five years...until this event...I did as well on the swim relative to [my age group] as I did on the run! Maybe I'm not [just] a runner anymore. Couldn't have done it with you!" - Jeff S.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you for preparing me so amazingly perfectly for today's 12.5 mile swim around Key West!!! I felt great during the entire thing, had tons of energy, and ate and hydrated well, all thanks to your plan and mentoring! I'm 100% confident that I would not have made it without your guidance, so again, a huge thank you!" - Beccah R
2) Private Alcatraz SwimsAnxious about your first Alcatraz swim or do you simply want to make a crossing under controlled conditions?
Let me help. Using a highly experienced pilot (who has made over 400 escorts) and authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard, I'll escort you and up to three (3) friends on your own private Alcatraz swim. The cost is $375 (total cost not per person).
If you've got an Alcatraz swim scheduled for 2012, check out the schedule below. These Alcatraz swims simulate the tidal currents and routes on the days of the eight major commercial events. Pre-swim the course and have a huge advantage over your competitors on race day!
Don't see a date that suits your schedule or travel plans? Send me an email and we'll pick a date that works for you!
Watch Allen Luong's exciting video to see what these private Alcatraz swim escorts are all about!
There are two important caveats
1) All members of your group should be able to swim at a similar speed. Because of boat traffic on the Bay, all swimmers will be required to swim in a close-knit pod next to the escort boat. This means that the fastest swimmer in your group will only be as fast as the slowest swimmer.
2) You should be able to swim 1.5 miles freestyle in 60 minutes or less. Any pace slower than this will not be fast enough to get you across before the currents change.
You can reserve and pay for your private Alcatraz swim now via Pay Pal or credit card. Please select the "add to cart" icon, pay a $175.00 deposit and the date is yours (the remaining $200.00 must be paid prior to the date of the swim)! (NOTE for California residents: you will be "taxed" an additional $16.19 by Pay Pal - this will be deducted from your $200 balance due and you can give me a check for $183.81 made payable to Lane Lines to Shore Lines LLC on the day of our swim.) I will contact you promptly to go over logistics. If you have questions before you lock your date in, contact me at [email protected].
If you would rather pay via check, please lock in your reservation by sending a check in the amount of $175.00 payable to "Lane Lines to Shore Lines LLC" and mailing it to 1427 Livingston Avenue, Pacifica, CA 94044-3930. (No checks drawn on foreign banks - all checks must be drawn on U.S. banks, please.) The balance can be paid on the day of your swim.
Alcatraz Challenge Swim (5/27/12), Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon (6/10/12), Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim (tentatively scheduled for 7/08/12
Saturday April 28, 2012 8:00 a.m. splash
Sunday April 29, 2012 9:00 a.m. splash
Friday May 11, 2012 7:00 a.m. splash
Saturday May 12, 2012 8:00 a.m. splash
Friday May 25, 2012 7:00 a.m. splash
Thursday June 7, 2012 7:30 a.m. splash
Friday June 8, 2012 8:30 a.m. splash
Saturday June 23, 2012 8:00 a.m. splash
Sunday June 24, 2012 9:00 a.m. splash
Sharkfest Swim (7/28/12), Alcatraz Swim with the Centurions (8/25/12), South End Invitational (9/08/12
Saturday April 14, 2012 7:00 a.m. splash
Sunday April 15, 2012 8:00 a.m. splash
Tuesday May 1, 2012 8:15 a.m. splash
Sunday May 13, 2012 6:30 a.m. splash
Monday May 14, 2012 7:45 a.m. splash
Tuesday June 12, 2012 7:15 a.m. splash
Tuesday June 19, 2012 7:00 a.m. splash - reserved
Thursday June 28, 2012 7:45 a.m. splash
Friday June 29, 2012 9:15 a.m. splash
Thursday July 12, 2012 8:15 a.m. spash
Friday July 13, 2012 9:30 a.m. splash
Saturday July 14, 2012 10:15 a.m. splash
Friday July 27, 2012 7:45 a.m. splash
Sunday July 29, 2012 10:00 a.m. spalsh
Saturday August 11, 2012 9:00 a.m. splash
Sunday August 12, 2012 10:00 a.m. splash
Sunday August 26, 2012 8:45 a.m .splash
Sunday Sept. 23, 2012 7:45 a.m. splash - reserved Testimonials
"I just wanted to thank you for the Alcatraz swim last month. I ran the Escape today and came out of the water in 32 minutes. More importantly, I had the confidence and comfort that enabled me to enjoy the experience rather than fear it. There is no way I would have felt that good about it had we not done the practice crossing together with your briefing and guidance. Thanks again and hope to swim with you again." - Randol C.
"I just wanted to write to say how much I appreciated how you looked after me so well on the swim from Alcatraz. It really made the whole experience so enjoyable and your reassuring presence steadied my pre-swim nerves!" - Collete C.
"Thanks so much for the Great Adventure! You were very supportive and "calming" during the swim." - Dave
"Today reminded me of the rewarding feeling when someone achieves their goal. They are over the moon, you are happy for them and at the same time, quietly you know that you played a part in it. I imagine you get to feel that quite a bit in what you do. So thanks for all your time, patience, coaching and encouragement." - Simon S.
"It was a fantastic experience for me to swim from Alcatraz and I was very glad of your expert guidance!"- Nicky G.
"We are home now after our tour of the USA and experienced a lot...but what Laura and I agree is just how special our Alcatraz swim was. Your clear instruction before the swim calmed our nerves and reassured me that the 'impossible' swim was being monitored by a true professional." - Mark P.
"Thank you again for Saturday's swim! You and Rick [pilot] made this safe and enjoyable for us! Your extensive knowledge of the area and preparation - charts and maps you showed us before the swim - instilled such confidence in me. And, your enthusiasm and love for aquatics added energy and even more enjoyment." - Patt M.
3) Clinics / PresentationsInterested in learning more about swimming in open water including what it takes to swim from Alcatraz? Then consider booking me for your club's next meeting. Using the same presentation materials and photos used in Tri-California's Alcatraz and Open Water Swim Camps, I can answer your questions and raise your comfort level significantly.
Testimonials
"I attended the Tri Cal clinic this past weekend and was on your boat for the swim from Alcatraz...just wanted to say thanks for the great instruction and tools. I feel so much more confident about the race in June." - Aaron S "Thank you again for an interesting and informative talk last night - I've heard nothing but raves from people who attended!" - Kristin H
"Thanks Reid, Eric, Nick and Gary for a great clinic. I always like to see courses before I race them but your clinic was more than just viewing a course. I walked away with a boatload of critical info that will knock huge amounts of time off the race. Now I have complete confidence in swimming from the Rock! 3-foot swells? No Problem!" - Joe W