Location: Higgs Beach, 1000Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Fl 33040
Registration: June 21, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-Race meeting , 5:00 p.m.
Swim date and start time: June 22, 2024 start at 7:45 a.m.
Swimmers are responsible for obtaining their own support kayaker and kayak with all required safety equipment. If you are unable to find a support kayaker, you may contact David Chen at (954) 802-8322 or Anna Fugina at (941) 286-2722 we will attempt to find a kayaker for you. Please keep in mind that support kayakers will require a minimum of at least $200 to offset their accommodations expenses.
Swimmers who have their own support kayaker but would like to rent a kayak and have it delivered to Higgs Beach on the morning of the swim with all the required supplies, paddle, life jacket, and whistle, contact either of the following rental companies.
- Big Pine Kayak Adventures – Call or Text Bill Keogh (305) 872-7474
- Kayak Kings of Key West – Call Justin Morency (786) 250-8498
All support kayakers and boat crews MUST attend the registration and pre-race meeting together on Friday June 21, 2024. At the registration they will meet their swimmer, if they haven’t yet met. They will check-in and sign a waiver between 1pm -4 pm, then attend the Pre-Race Meeting at 5:00 p.m.. This year the 48th Annual Swim Around Key West is an early start at 7:45a.m. on June 22, 2024.
Please continue reading for your duties.
Your commitment includes attending the pre-race registration and meeting on June 21st on the pavilion at Higgs Beach in Key West. You must be at Higgs Beach on the morning of June 22 between 5:30 a.m. – 6:45 a.m. to check in and load up your kayak with your and your swimmer’s supplies. REMEMBER, the tide waits for no one! Swim starts at 7:45 a.m. sharp! The majority of swimmers complete the race in 5-7 hours.
Your job will require you to provide much needed support to the athlete in any way necessary. You will be his/her only contact for the entire 12.5-mile swim. You will carry his/her food and drink and any additional gear needed. The swimmer is not allowed, at any time, to stand up or even hang on to your kayak. All kayakers must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket and whistle with them onboard. Many of the athletes have trained all year for this momentous event, and they come from all around the U.S. and even overseas. They are a great group of people and you will have a lot of fun being a part of the event. You will finish tired and inspired.