A nearly 40-year tradition held each summer on the North Shore of Oʻahu, the storied North Shore Swim Series, recently concluded its 36th year in operation. Considered one of the top 100 open water swimming events in the country, the series draws a combined total of nearly 2,000 athletes each year who wish to test their endurance against the progressively longer courses ranging in distances from 1-mile to 2.3-miles.
Set against the backdrop of the North Shoreʻs iconic 7-mile miracle, participants have the opportunity to witness Hawaiiʻs beautiful coastline, crystal blue waters, & a variety of sea life ranging from Spinner Dolphins to the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, while they contend with ocean currents, mass starts, and strategic navigation.
We had a chance to catch up with several of the race participants to find out just what drew them to this event, either for their first time or as a returning swimmer.
Some of these athletes are longtime ocean swimmers, while others are brand new to the sport. Weʻll hear from a swimmer each week over the next four weeks, as they share their swim story with us.
We hope you enjoy!
Name: Virgil A. Smith
Location: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Retired
Favorite Swim Memory: “I was driving around the North Shore looking for a safe place to swim. I ended up at Haleiwa Aliʻi Beach and asked the lifeguard if it was okay for me to swim out away from the beach. The young man looked at me and said “sure , Iʻll keep an eye on you”. So, I jumped in. About 30 minutes later an eagle ray swam past me. I felt a little uncomfortable about it and swam back to shore. I told the lifeguard about my experience. He said, “it wonʻt hurt you, get back out there and swim”. Iʻm now swimming at least 4-days a week in the ocean. My goal is to swim everyday. Youʻll definitely have to drag me off this island!”
How long have you been a swimmer and what is your earliest memory of ocean swimming in Hawaii?
I started learning how to swim long distances in 2017 while training for a super sprint triathlon. I arrived on the island of Oʻahu mid-May of 2024 and my first ocean swim was at Iroquois Point Beach.
The North Shore Swim Series recently celebrated itʻs 36th year in operation. What do you think is the appeal of these swims that have kept them going for nearly 40 years?
As a newcomer to the island, swimming on the North Shore sounded like a “too good to pass up challenge”, I plan on participating every year I’m on the island.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in participating in the series for the first time?
If you love open water swimming, it’s a must swim, the views and participant enthusiasm are an open water swimmerʻs paradise.
The series has become an annual North Shore tradition amongst the open water community. What role do you feel the community plays in upholding this tradition each summer?
Participate, if you’re feeling as if you can’t do it, volunteer and work yourself into it slowly. You’ll thank me later!
“If you love open water swimming, it’s a must swim, the views and participant enthusiasm are an open water swimmer’s paradise.”
How do you prepare yourself for the series each year? Any tips or tricks youʻd like to share?
I joined a local swim club on the island, it really helps with the anxiety of ocean swimming.
What is the most challenging AND most rewarding part of swimming in the North Shore Swim Series?
Just go for it and swim, relax and just keep swimming. The thrill of being in clear beautiful water with some of the world’s most exotic sea life is priceless. Be careful because it is addictive!
Photos courtesy of Jade Reeves Photography
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Love this! How many weeks till next year ?
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