Across the Lake Swim
Skaha Lake
August 11, 2024
Penticton, bc, canada
- Details
- Sponsors
- Course
- Schedule
- Package Pickup
- Updates
- FAQ
- Parking
- Results
- Photos
- Details
Details
Skaha Lake is historically known as Dog Lake, but the local meaning is “horse”. It is one of the wonderful British Columbia fresh water lakes in the Okanagan Valley. It lies between the south end of the city of Penticton and Okanagan Falls, B.C.
The Skaha Lake swim is a 4.5km or 11.8k point-to-point swim in the warm (23°C or 74°F on average), fresh waters of Skaha Lake nestled within an incredibly scenic valley, making it an ideal location for long distance swims.
The 4.5km swim starts from Pioneer Park in Kaleden, B.C. and finishes at Christie Memorial Park in OK Falls.
The 11.8km swim starts from the Skaha Lake Main Beach and also finishes at Christie Memorial Park in OK Falls.
- Sponsors
Sponsors
Silver
Official Goggle
Supporter
- Course
Course
4.5km:
11.8km:
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Event | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Aug 11 | 6:00 am | 7:00 am | Package Pickup | Skaha Main Beach |
| Sun, Aug 11 | 6:00 am | 7:00 am | Gear Check Open | Skaha Main Beach |
| Sun, Aug 11 | 7:00 am | 11.8km Swim Starts | Skaha Main Beach | |
| Sun, Aug 11 | 7:30 am | Bus Leaves for 4.5km Start Line | Skaha Main Beach | |
| Sun, Aug 11 | 8:30 am | 4.5km Swim Starts | Pioneer Park, Kaleden |
Times are subject to change.
Package Pickup
Package pickup starts at 6:00am from the Skaha Lake main beach near the end of Parkview Street.
FAQ
Do I need to use a Swim Buddy?
The use of a Swim Buddy is recommended but not mandatory. The swim buddy device is simply a safety tool which makes swimmers much more visible in the water. This is important as swimmers can get quite spread apart and this allows our safety patrol and other boaters who are on the lake at the time a better chance to spot swimmers.
Is there a cut-off time for the 11.8km swim?
Yes, there is a 6.5hr cut-off time.
Where can I rent a kayak?
Kayaks can be rented by contacting Hoodoo Adventures
Are there change rooms and showers available for after the swim?
Yes and no. There are public washrooms at the Finish Line but no showers. There is an outdoor shower at the Kelowna finish line.
Is a Support Paddler required?
Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim Kelowna a support paddler is not required.
Kal Lake: Support paddlers are not required for either distance.
Cultus Lake: Support paddlers are not required for either distance.
Gellatly Bay: Support paddlers are not required for either distance.
Skaha Lake: Support paddlers are required for the 11.8km distance, but not for the 4.5km distance.
Rattlesnake Island: Support paddlers are required for the 7km distance, but are not required for the 1.5km or 3km distances.
However, each junior swimmer (10 years & under) MUST be accompanied by a support craft if they are swimming alone and not accompanied by an adult swimmer.
Know your limitations. You should be able to swim 1000-2000 meters comfortably with or without the aid of a wetsuit.
Is there food after the event?
Yes, there are light snacks and drinks after the event. Typically cookies, bagels, bananas, oranges, water, coffee and juice boxes. (subject to change)
Why Use a Swim Buddy?
The Swim Buddy is simply a safety tool which makes swimmers much more visible in the water. This is important as swimmers can get quite spread apart and this allows our safety patrol and other boaters who are on the lake at the time a better chance to spot swimmers.
With the potential for high wind and waves, several support paddlers may need to be rescued themselves (It has happened in previous years)! When a support person goes over, the swimmer is now left vulnerable or trying to help their support person get back in their craft. Now 2 people are in the water and potentially not visible to our safety crew and other boats. Also, when a support person goes over, naturally other support people go to help them (as they should) but that now leaves other swimmers alone and more vulnerable.
Finally, should, god forbid, anything really serious happen out there, many support boaters don’t have the experience, or sometimes the upper body strength to hold on to their swimmers until a powerboat/lifeguard can arrive, especially as they will try to both signal the power boats while helping their swimmer. The Swim Buddy has enough floatation that it will keep a swimmer’s body up if they hold on to it (which is easier than trying to hold on to a kayak or canoe).
The Swim Buddy does not add any extra drag, and you won’t even notice it behind you.
Ultimately, we want everyone to have fun and successful swims, but swimmer safety is of utmost importance.
I have my own Swim Buddy. Do I get a discount?
Since we are not charging for their use, using your own will not get you a discount.
Is there a gear check?
Yes, the gear check opens early in the morning so you can drop off your items. Be sure to put them in a bag so we can tag it for you to pick up at the end of your swim.
Parking
Parking is available along Parkview Street or in the main parking lot at Elm and Cypress Street.
