Additional Information
This is not a race!
This event is for intermediate or better swimmers.
Requirements
The Columbia River Cross Channel Swim is limited to 550 swimmers, and participants are accepted on a first-come basis. All swimmers must be at least ten (10) years old, in good physical health, and wear the swim cap provided at Check-In. Swimmers under 15 years old must each be accompanied by an adult swimmer. Swimmers must wear a swim cap due to safety regulations. No grease or oil allowed as it may damage of the sternwheeler, but wet or dry suits are allowed.
Procedure
Check-In for pre-registered swimmers begins at 5:45am (to 7am) at the Hood River Visitors Center (exit #64 off I-84, turn north towards the river, left at the four-way stop, and follow the signs) where you will receive your swim cap and flight number. DON’T LOSE OR TRADE IT! You will board the sternwheeler between 6 and 7:15am for transportation across the river. The Hood River Swim Team will collect your extra clothing and take it to the lawn area at the Best Western Hood River Inn for you to pick up when you get out of the river (included with your registration; donations to the Swim Team will be gladly accepted). Day-of-swim registrants will be offered any unfilled spaces beginning at 7am, at a fee of $70.
All swimmers participating on a team must check in “en masse” to receive consecutive-numbered boarding passes. For your safety, your name is assigned to a specific flight; please do not trade swim caps!
You will receive final instructions after boarding the sternwheeler. The sternwheeler will leave the dock at 7:30am sharp. Between 8 and 9:15am, swimmers will be leaving the ship (NOTE: It is a 7’ jump off the ship to the water.) Do not leave any clothing or personal items on board the sternwheeler, they will not be returned to you. The sternwheeler leaves Hood River immediately after the swim. Boaters are anchored on both sides of the course to assist you with direction. If you have trouble and drift into the boat line, you can hold on and rest or choose to be picked up. If you drift through the boat line you will automatically be picked up.
The landing area is just east of the Hood River Inn, and you will be able to see a marker as a guide on the shore. Remember, this is a RIVER and the shoreline is quite rocky; we encourage you to wear watershoes or booties if you are sensitive to walking on rough shore. As you reach the landing area, an offical will ask for and verify your flight number and name, then you may proceed to designated rooms at the Hood River Inn for a shower, snack, and hot drink.
After all swimmers have reached shore, the Swim Committee will present achievement awards at the stage area on the lawn.
Check-In
Check-In for all swimmers begins at 5:45am at the Hood River Visitor Center deck (exit #64 off I-84, then turn north towards the river, left at the four-way stop, and follow the signs). Between 6:00 and 7:15am you will board the sternwheeler for transportation to the Washington side of the Columbia. After you finish the swim and achieve the Oregon shore, you must provide your swimmer information to the check-out team before proceeding to shower and dress. Friends and family are not allowed inside the check-out area for safety reasons.
About The Course
Approx. 1.1 miles diagonally, depending on water levels. Water temp averages 69°; river depth is 60’. The fastest swimmers usually finish in just under 30 minutes (@ 3mph) and most swimmers are out of the water within 40 minutes (1.5 mph).
Parking
Parking is available at the Hood River Expo Center, then park and walk east via the Hood River Footbridge to the Marina area. Alternately, you can park at the Marina complex area which includes the Hood River Visitor Center and DMV building and Hood River County Historical Museum. Please be aware there is traffic through the Marina complex so watch your valuables, and watch for pedestrians. DO NOT PARK past the museum or at the end of the road near the beach, as too many cars will impede the bus access. Our volunteer boaters must also be able to access the marina docks. There is no charge for parking.
Registration Fees
Entry Fee (through August 31st) - $60.00
Entry Fee (September 1-6) - $70.00
Team Entry Fee (w/10 or more registrants, through August 31st) - $55.00
Team Entry Fee (w/10 or more registrants, September 1-6) - $65.00
Includes t-shirt and swim cap.
Embroidered swim patches are $7.50 each; must be ordered by August 10th.
Additional shirts may be purchased for $15 each from sizes available.
Also available for purchase are long-sleeve t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and black baseball caps, all with the Cross Channel Swim logo.
Registrations received after August 10th cannot be guaranteed requested shirt size.
Entry fees are non-refundable for any reason, including weather cancellation.
NEW Group Registration Discount!
For those wishing to register as a team or family group, the Chamber offers a $5/person discount for groups of 10 or more swimmers. Simply indicate your team name on your registration and we will match you up with the other members of your team. You may register more than one team member at a time, but each team member MUST SIGN THE WAIVER.
Transportation
After the swim, the Chamber will provide bus transportation every 15 minutes, from the Hood River Inn back to the Marina parking site, between 8:30am and 10:30am. You ride free as part of your entry fee.
The Hood River Swim Team will transport your clothing from the Marina Dock area to the Hood River Inn, allowing you to send your clothes ahead and pick them up when you get out of the river. This service is also included as part of your entry fee.
Confirmations
A confirmation email will be sent to the e-mail address included on your registration form to verify your registration.
Safety is our Number One Priority!
NOTE: The Hood River County Sheriff’s Department patrol boat and the US Coast Guard monitor this event, and will be responsible for cancellation of the swim in the event of bad weather, right up until the time of the event. There are no refunds should the swim be canceled due to weather conditions.
Hood River Swim Team members patrol the swim course on sailboards and in kayaks, and also serve as lookouts and provide guidance.
The Hood River Yacht Club and volunteer boaters line the swim course and pick up any swimmers having difficulties.
Columbia Gorge Intertribal Fisheries patrol fishing sites to help swimmers avoid nets.
Radio Amateurs of the Gorge provide communication services so everyone keeps informed of current conditions.
Our sincere thanks to all the volunteers who donate their holiday to make this event happen!
