Location: Higgs Beach, 1000Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Fl 33040
Registration: June 2, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-Race meeting , 5:00 p.m.
Swim/Paddle date and start time: June 3, 2023 start at 6:00 a.m.
Swimmers are responsible for obtaining their own support kayaker and kayak. If you are unable to find a support kayaker, you may contact David Chen at (954) 802-8322 who will attempt to find a kayaker for you. Please keep in mind that support kayakers will require a minimum of at least $150 to offset their accommodations expenses.
All support kayakers and boat crews MUST attend the registration and pre-race meeting on Friday June 2, 2023. 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 47th Annual Swim Around Key West is an early start at 6:a.m. on June 3, 2023. Since it is an early start time it is recommended that the kayakers bring their kayaks to the pre-race meeting where they will be assigned a numbered red flag to apply securely with duck tape on their kayaks. It is recommended they prepare their kayaks and line up their kayaks side by side on the beach, ready for launch early the next morning. With this task done the day before the swim, the only task to do early morning will be to enter the water in a timely manner for start time. You should also study the Kayaker Information Packet. (You can download the 2019 packet at the bottom of this page. An updated packet will be available soon.
Please continue reading for your duties.
Your commitment includes attending the pre-race registration and meeting on June 2nd at the tent and/or the gazebo on Higgs Beach in Key West. You must be at Higgs Beach on the morning of June 3 between 5:00a.m. – 5-15 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 6;00 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. 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.