Thank you for joining us for the 16^th annual Jordan Lake Open Water Challenge.  Please read this for all the details on the race.
 
Location and directions:
The race site in 2026 is Vista Point Boat Ramp, Jordan Lake. 3199 N Pea Ridge Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Please refer to the location tab (drop down menu under the overview) for an area map, or view this Google Maps pin drop. 

The last day to sign up is Thursday, April 30. No race day/onsite registration is available.
 
Parking:
Park in the large lot near the start area or the adjacent parking lot. We will have volunteer parking attendants directing you. Your parking fee was included with your entry fee. However, if you or your friends and family arrive after 730AM you may have to pay a $10 park entry fee (bring cash for speed). If you’re competing, please arrive no later than 715 to get your stuff and get situated.

Please do not park on the side of the road anywhere within the park boundaries.  You could block emergency vehicles and will be towed.
 
Packet pick up:
We will have the packet pick up area right next to the boat ramps. We will start at ~645AM.
 
T-shirts:
Event t-shirts are guaranteed to swimmers who sign up by Friday, April 17, 2026. You must be present to pick up your t-shirt.

Registration fees:
1k: $25 until April 25
1.2m: $46 until March 27, $51 until April 25
2.4m: $56 until March 27, $61 until April 25

Course and Map:



This is a trianguler, clockwise swim. This is an in water start, in line with the boat docks.  All right-shoulder turns. All buoys must be on your right side, including the interim sighting buoys. This minimizes cross-traffic issues with the 1k swimmers.
 
1k : swim to the interim marker buoys and return (roughly half of the 1.2 mile course - not an exact distance so might be a bit off)
1.2 milers: swim 1 full loop and get out then cross the timing mat.
2.4 milers: swim 2 full loops.  You don’t get out of the water at any point. At the buoy nearest the finish area you do a right shoulder turn and then head back out onto the course for loop #2. At the end, get out and run/walk up the boat ramp cross the timing mat. We will have drinks available at the dock if you need a drink.
 
Start/finish description:
We will start in overhead depth water lined up with the boat dock. To finish you will need to exit the water and cross the timing mat at the water's edge.
 
Safety:
We will have a number of kayakers, paddleboarders, and lifeguards out on the course. You may stop and take a break at a kayak/board as needed.  Please give these folks a shout or wave if you are having any problems at any point. They are there to help you. We also have professional emergency water rescue crews on the water in case you need to leave the water, and EMS on land.

Weather Policy:
In the case of inclement weather, we will delay the swim start up to 45 minutes. We will only cancel the swim if absolutely necessary for the safety of the swimmers. Our official policy is: No refunds or transfers will be issued in case of cancellation due to weather. Anything beyond that is because we can be nice.
 
Timing chips:
We are using reusable timing chips. Please return the timing chip to event staff after you cross the finish line.
 
Wetsuits & water temps:
For our swims, wetsuits are permitted when the temperature is below 78 degrees, and not permitted at 78 and above. The usual late April water temperature is in the high 60s.   

You can keep track of Jordan Lake water temps here: http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/bejrept.txt.

Other equipment:
You may use snorkels, masks, goggles, and neoprene or regular swim caps. You may not use standard pull buoys, hand paddles, or fins.

Swim Safey Device:
If you are a newer or nervous open water swimmer, we will allow you to use the Swim Safety Device. This is not a pull buoy. If you choose to use one, please start at the back of your wave.

Tranfer and refund policy:
No refunds or transfers for this event.

Warming up: 
You may warm up as much as you’d like, but please keep it near the start/finish area.  We will have a couple kayakers out by 745AM to watch out for you, but the main fleet doesn’t launch ‘till the race gets going.
 

Age limits:
You must be 10+ to compete in the .6 miler, 12 or older to compete in the 1+ mile swims and 14 or older to compete in the 2+ mile swims. Exceptions may be made for advanced AG swimmers; please email the RD.

Start waves:
As close as we can get to:
8:00 All 2.4 milers
8:06 All 1.2 milers
8:12 All 1k'ers
 
Awards:
For the 1k: top ten overall men and women

For the 1.2 and 2.4 milers: Top 3 overall men / women, top male/female master (over 40), and top 3 in each 5 year age group (15-19, 20-24, etc).  No duplication of awards.  We will run the 1.2 awards a bit before the 2.4 awards, but don’t make any promises on the exact time other than to say, as soon as we can.  You must be present to receive your award. We don't mail them out. 
 
New to open water/wetsuits?
If you are new / first timer in an open water event, we suggest you check out the open water training clinics hosted by event sponsor One Step Beyond. Their first 2026 clinic will be on Saturday, April 25.
 
If you have never swum in a wetsuit before and plan to at the race, we even more strongly suggest you take it to your local pool as soon as possible and swim a few laps in it.  Wetsuits take some getting used to and your first time should not be in a race situation.
 
Race briefing:
We will hold the race briefing and course description meeting at 745 AM at the boat docks at the start/ finish line area.  After this meeting you will have a few more minutes to warm up should you choose.
 
Post-race food:
We will have bread from Great Harvest Bread, PB and J, bananas, assorted cookies, and drinks. 
 
Next events:
Our next 2025 Triangle Swim Series event will be on Sunday, October 04, also at Vista Point.   
 
Thank you and we will see you on the beach!
- The teams at FS Series and One Step Beyond