Welcome to the Vancouver Open Water Swim Association

Our 2010 season dates have been set, so you can now mark your race calendar. Here are the dates of our events and practice swims:

Canada Day Challenge: Thursday, July 1st

79th Anniversary Bay Challenge: Sunday, July 18th

Kitsilano Challenge: Saturday, August 14th

Practice swims begin Monday, June 14th, to run every Monday and Thursday (excepting public holidays) until Monday, August 30th

Our end of season party will be on Monday, August 30th, after the final practice swim, the Kitsilano Yacht Club.

Please note: we are still looking for volunteers to help organise our next season, at the committee level. Email us at the address on the ABOUT page. Help us make our 2010 season the best ever!

New! For photos of our recent events, go to the race results page for a link to our Flickr page.

Who is VOWSA?

VOWSA is a group of people who swim in open water, mainly the ocean but also in lakes. Do you like swimming, especially outside? Then VOWSA is for you! We offer evening swims at Kits Beach, with a lifeguard escort and lots of other swimmers for company. Sometimes there is a seal or two to join us. For those with a more competitive nature, we have 3 timed events in July.

If you have any questions, please contact us at VOWSA2007@gmail.com

Member Benefits

Become a member by signing up for any of the events or signing up for the season of ocean swims. Then enjoy the following benefits:

  • Get fit
  • Meet new people
  • Learn to improve your swimming for open water races or triathlons
  • Enter to win gifts and prizes at any of VOWSA’s 3 races
  • Receive a 10% discount from International Dive Center

The Vancouver Open Water Swim Association is dedicated to creating safe and enjoyable open water swim opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. We are an entirely volunteer-driven, non-profit organization and have operated and grown the Series on that basis. More volunteers are always welcome.

Beneficiary

bcsoProceeds from the Open Water Swim Series support BC Special Olympics

BC Special OlympicsOur primary beneficiary,BC Special Olympics provides individuals with mental disabilities the opportunity to enhance their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences.

79th Anniversary Bay Challenge: Sunday, July 18th
Kitsilano Challenge: Saturday, August 14th