2026 Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim

The Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim begins at Steele Canyon Campground on Lake Berryessa in Napa County, California. Swimmers start in deep water and finish onshore. Davis Aquatic Masters organizes the event, which originated in 1981 as a casual lake swim and now attracts over 500 participants annually. This freshwater race offers 1-mile and 2-mile distances: the 1-mile is one loop, and the 2-mile is two loops. Water temperatures typically range from 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a genuine lake swimming feel without being excessively cold for most trained swimmers. The course is structured: safety boats monitor the water, swimmers must use the designated cap, and a mandatory safety briefing occurs approximately 30 minutes before each race start. Start waves are organized by estimated 1650-yard or 1500-meter pool times, with wetsuit swimmers competing separately. The adult races adhere to USMS open-water regulations and are sanctioned by Pacific Masters Swimming. Entry is open to USMS members or those obtaining a one-day event membership. Awards are given generously in non-wetsuit age groups, featuring branded gifts for the top three men and women in each USMS five-year age division. Wetsuit awards are presented to the top three men and women overall.