2021 Speedo SALT Series Southern Cross Athlete Guide

2021 ATHLETE GUIDE

A NOTE FROM THE SALTY CREW Wow! How is it the end of 2021 already?

As we head into our final race of the season, we are excited to spend some time celebrating with everyone that has been so supportive. We are on a mission to craft something unique for the open water swimming community. Sometimes it all comes together, and sometimes it all falls apart (#redtide), but it’s the passion and dedication we see in our swimmers, that makes it all worth while.

Fort Myers Beach holds a very special place in our hearts. For decades, this destination has invested in the sport of open water swimming. This course has seen World Championships, National Championships and is now home to our own Southern Cross. This quirky beach town has a little something for everyone, and we aim to keep the tradition rolling, and host events here for years to come.

We are excited to welcome you, support you, and celebrate you this weekend.

See you soon!

- Salty Crew

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Packet Pick Up/On Site Registration 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Happy Hour and Florida Open Water Meet & Greet Location: Yucatan Beach Stand: 250 Old San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL ***You must bring a photo ID (Drivers License) and sign an event waiver on-site when checking in.***

Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 7:30 am Athlete Check-In/Body Marking Opens 8:45 am Athletes start lining up for spaced wave start 9:00 am 5K Race Begins 10 min after final 5K swimmers are in the water - 1 mile Race Begins 12:15 pm - Approx. time for Southern Cross Event Awards Location: Lynn Hall Park, 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm BUOY Ball/Post Race Party Break out your party pants. Come help us wrap up the 2021 Speedo SALT Series and celebrate our Series Age Group Champions. Awards Ceremony starts at 4:45 pm. The first drink is on us, and we encourage you to support our partner Pinchers and grab additional beverages, apps, or dinner during the ceremony.

Location: Pinchers Restaurant 18100 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 8:00 am: Mimosa Mile (Recovery & Fun Swim) Meet Up Style Swim open to everyone. This is not an official event, however an awesome opportunity to get one more swim in before you head home.

This event is open to the public and all swimmers are welcome.

Location: Lynn Hall Park, 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL

COURSE DETAILS Beach Start into the water Turn right at the orange/yellow arch (Turn 1) Swim straight keeping buoys on your left Large Yellow Triangle Buoys signal approx. halfway to the Turn Buoys Turn left 90 degrees at the Large Orange Buoy (Turn 2) Continue to next Large Orange Buoy Turn left 90 degrees at Large Orange Buoys (Turn 3) Continue straight passing another Large Yellow Buoy At the 3rd Large Orange Buoy turn 90 degrees left (Turn 4) Continue straight in towards the finishline Keep all of the inflatable things on your left Mile swimmers finish under the finish line arch - 1 lap 5K swimmers - 3 laps total

What to Remember No Matter What 1 Mile = 1 Lap 5K = 3 Laps Turn right to swim through the orange/yellow arch Keep the Buoys on your Left Go around the Turn Buoys (Large Orange Triangles) Don’t Cut Corners (you’re better than that!)

SIGHT! & please don’t head to Mexico!

Click on this page to explore the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel

NO 39

Long days can still feel like they’re not long enough.

SANIBEL ISLAND, FL

Islandology is our way of life. It’s escaping from lists, schedules and itineraries. It’s making more time for play time and discovering how a stretch of sand can become your own private getaway.

Plan your trip at FortMyers-Sanibel.com

RACE RULES Bib Number/Body Marking

Water Safety

You will be assigned a bib number.

There will be plenty of water safety personnel on the course including kayaks, paddle boards, and PWC.

If you are not wearing a wetsuit, mark your left and right upper arms with your bib number on race morning at the Body Marking tent.

If you are wearing a wetsuit, mark the outside of both of your hands at the Body Marking tent.

This event will be chip timed. You must have a chip and body marking to enter the water.

You are permitted to hold onto a watercraft momentarily to catch your breath.

You may NOT advance down the course while holding onto watercraft.

If you experience any issues while in the water, take off your swim cap and wave it over your head while treading water and a safety watercraft will come to your aid.

For your safety, every swimmer must check in at the registration tent on race morning to pick up their chip.

78

degrees

Wetsuits will be legal if the water temp is 78 or under.

You must wear the swim cap provided to you for your specific race.

1

mile time limit 1:05 (1 Hr & 5 Min)

5

K time limit 2:45 (2 Hr & 45 Min)

You may not switch distances once the race has started

Speedo SALT Series Southern Cross Supporters

Age Group Awards Female - 13 & Under Male - 13 & Under Female - 14-19 Male - 14-19 Female - 20 - 29 Male - 20 - 29 Female - 30 - 39 Male - 30 - 39 Female - 40 - 49 Male - 40 - 49 Female - 50 - 59 Male - 50 - 59 Female 60 - 69 Female 60 - 69 Female - 70 + Up Male - 70 + Up 2021 Year End High Point Awards will be awarded during the Buoy Ball.

These awards will go to swimmers with the highest points in each age group/gender over the season.

Swimmers must compete in a muinmum of 2 races in 2021 to earn a high point award.

CURRENT HIGH POINT STANDINGS

AREA INFO Parking

Parking is avaialble at Lynn Hall Beach Park.

We encourage athletes to arrive early.

Additional parking is available in lots around the park.

Parking for the Yucatan Beach Stand is avilable in multiple lots around Old San Carlos Blvd.

Hotels Rooms are still available https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/stay

Things To Do Helpful Links

We encourage our athletes to enjoy everything the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel have to offer.

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Fort Myers Beach Chamber

Our Favorites

Lovers Key State Park Lighthouse Park Bowman’s Beach Local Underwater Reefs

2022 Schedule www.saltysportssociety.com

AMI Hogfish Swim Jan. 30, 2022 Anna Maria Island, FL 1.2 Mile, 2.4 Mile Open Water

Deluna’s Swim April 23, 2022 Pensacola, FL .6 Mile, 1.2 Mile, 2.4 Mile Open Water

Training Camp Weekend June 2022 -More Info Coming Soon Englewood Beach, FL Full Weekend Training Camp

Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Sept. 10, 2022 Islamorada, FL 8 Mile Open Water, Relay Options

Amelia Island Open Water Challenge Oct. 2022 - More Info Coming Soon Amelia Island, FL

Southern Cross Dec. 3, 2022 Fort Myers Beach, FL 1 Mile, 5K Open Water