WSU Masters Swimming provides a number of open water training and competitive opportunities each summer. Starting in late June or early July, the club will often have its Saturday workouts down at the Snake River. Boating support is provided at these workouts. These workouts are for those who just want to experience open water and those who are triathletes preparing for upcoming races.

Here in the Inland Northwest, there are a number of open water swimming events, two of which are held nearby. The Steve Omi Open Water Swim (one mile) is held the third Sunday of July at Lake Coeur d’Alene. This event draws between 80-100 swimmers and is a great way to get your feet wet in the open water venue. The second event that many WSU Masters swimmers participate in is the Long Bridge Swim in Lake Pend Oreille (1.75 miles). This event is held the first Saturday of August, and draws more than 400 swimmers from all over the west.

Other open water swims are available in Western Washington as well as in the Bend, Oregon area.