2026 Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim

  • Date Sat 6th June 2026
  • Time 9:30AM PDT
  • Location Napa, California
  • Price $88.45 - $114.95
  • Races 5 races
  • Distances 1 Mile

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Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating aquatic adventure at the 2026 Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim, taking place on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, in the beautiful Napa Valley! This annual event, hosted at Steele Canyon Campground, has been a beloved fixture in the open water swimming community since 1981, drawing over 500 passionate swimmers each year. Participants can choose between two thrilling distances: a 1-mile loop or a 2-mile loop in the pristine waters of Lake Berryessa, with the expected water temperature ranging from 68 to 72 degrees.

Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a newcomer to open water events, this race promises a fun and supportive atmosphere. Safety is a top priority, with patrols on the course and mandatory briefings before each race. Awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group, making it a perfect opportunity to challenge yourself while enjoying the scenic beauty of Napa. Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of swimmingβ€”mark your calendars for June 6th and dive into an unforgettable experience!

Organiser's Description

DAM's Annual Lake Berryessa Swim is one of the longest running open water swim events in America. Started in 1981 as a friendly lake swim, this event now attracts over 500 swimmers each year to the shores of Lake Berryessa.

LOCATION: Steele Canyon Campground, Steele Canyon Road, Lake Berryessa, Napa, CA (map)

COURSE: 1-mile and 2-mile looped courses in a freshwater lake. 1 loop for 1 mile swim, and 2 loops for 2-mile swim. See course maps at bottom of page.

HOST: Davis Aquatic Masters. Race Director: Kevin Waterson, berryessa@damfast.org. Meet Referee: Kate Stephensen.

SANCTION: The adult races are sanctioned by Pacific Masters Swimming for USMS, Inc.

CONDITIONS/SAFETY: Expected water temperature is 68-72 degrees. Course is patrolled by safety craft. Individual escorts are not allowed. All swimmers must wear the provided swim cap and follow all USMS Open Water rules. Mandatory safety briefings will be held approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of each event. The Event Safety Plan will be posted at the registration desk on race day and is available prior to race day by request from berryessa@damfast.org.

START: Deep water, wave starts (see below). Finish: Onshore.

CUTOFF TIMES: For 2-mile events, 2 hours after wave start. For 1-mile events, 1 hour after wave start. Safety craft will remove swimmers who fall short of the cutoff times.

SEED TIMES FOR START WAVES: Entrants will provide estimated 1650 yd or 1500 meter pool time to be used to seed start waves. Those in Category 2 (wetsuit division) will all be placed in the same heat.

ELIGIBILITY: This event is open to USMS registered swimmers, or members of an equivalent organization (for foreign swimmers only). To register for the event, you must provide proof of current membership. You may register as a non-USMS member and a One-Day Event Membership (OEVT) will be assigned during the online entry, but the $20 discount will not be applied.

ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE. Event insurance is available via the RunSignUp registration portal.

SCORING DIVISIONS: Divided by gender in five-year increments according to USMS Rules (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, etc.).

AWARDS: Official Lake Berryessa Swim branded gifts will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each designated USMS age group for the 1 and 2 mile races in Category 1. Awards for the Category 2 races will be presented to the top three male and female overall finishers, regardless of age. You must pick up awards at the race. We will not mail awards.

RACE DAY PARKING/FACILITY USE FEE: Race Day Facility Use fees (includes parking) are $6.50 per entrant. This fee includes day use-pass for the main site, environmental protection fees, and parking on campground sites below and above the race area. When you get to the race, parking attendants will direct you to the nearest possible parking space.

Races

  • 2-Mile Swim Category 1 (No Wet Suit) - Verified USMS Members Receive a $20 Discount. Full Price Includes a USMS One-Day Event Membership.

    Incl. $5.95 Fee

    Sat 6th June 2026 (9:30AM PDT)

    $88.45

    Two 1-mile loops. Check-in closes at 8:50am. First wave start time is approximately 9:30am.
  • 2-Mile Swim Category 2 (Wet Suit) - Verified USMS Members Receive a $20 Discount. Full Price Includes a USMS One-Day Event Membership.

    Incl. $5.95 Fee

    Sat 6th June 2026 (9:50AM PDT)

    $88.45

    Two 1-mile loops. USMS rules regarding legal swimsuits and other coverings not applied. Check-in closes at 8:50am. Start time is approximately 9:45am.
  • 1-Mile Swim Category 1 (No Wet Suit) - Verified USMS Members Receive a $20 Discount. Full Price Includes a USMS One-Day Event Membership.

    Incl. $5.95 Fee

    Sat 6th June 2026 (11:50AM PDT)

    $88.45

    One 1-mile loop. Check-in closes at 11:00am. First wave start time is approximately 11:50am.
  • 1-Mile Swim Category 2 (Wet Suit) - Verified USMS Members Receive a $20 Discount. Full Price Includes a USMS One-Day Event Membership.

    Incl. $5.95 Fee

    Sat 6th June 2026 (12:10PM PDT)

    $88.45

    One 1-mile loop. USMS rules regarding legal swimsuits and other coverings not applied. Check-in closes at 11:00am. Start time is approximately 12:05pm.
  • BOTH 2-Mile and 1-Mile Swims Category 1 (No Wet Suit) - Verified USMS Members Receive a $20 Discount. Full Price Includes a USMS One-Day Event Membership.

    Incl. $7.45 Fee

    Sat 6th June 2026 (9:30AM PDT)

    $114.95

    Both the 2-Mile and 1-Mile events. Check-in for the 2-mile event closes at 8:50am. First wave start time is approximately 9:30am. If you wish to swim one or both events in the category 2 (wet-suit) division, you must contact the race director after registering. Please note that if you choose to swim only one event after registering for both, partial refunds are not possible.

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Location

1605 Steele Canyon Rd., Napa, 94558, CA, United States

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Jun 6, 2026

$88.45 - $114.95