frequently asked questions

1. Choose Your Swim Route: Select a route and begin training.

2. Complete the Booking Form: Share your swim plan, nutrition details, crew needs, and any medical considerations.

3. Pre-Swim Coordination: We’ll connect to finalize logistics, discuss cost, and expectations before the big day.

At Reptile Open Water Swimming, we are committed to making open water swimming as accessible and inclusive as possible for all athletes. We understand that the cost of marathon swims can be a barrier, so we work directly with each swimmer to find solutions and help make your swim a reality—regardless of your background or individual needs.

Please contact us regarding the course you wish to swim. The cost will depend on the swim, but we are always open to discussing options to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.

As with all marathon swims, there are two fees: a pilot fee (paid to us) and an association fee for the Observer, who documents your swim for review and ratification. The pilot fee covers all costs associated with your swim, including use of the escort boat, fuel, the pilot's time on the water, and all necessary support to ensure a safe and successful swim.

If you have specific access needs or require accommodations, please let us know—we are dedicated to working with swimmers of all abilities and will do our best to provide the support you need to enjoy and complete your swim.

Our professional piloting services include:

1. Pilot + Boat: A USCG licensed pilot and reliable motorboat suitable for open water conditions.

2. Support Kayak: A support kayak for the swimmer’s crew to utilize during the swim.

3. Course Planning & Navigation: Pre-swim route analysis, real-time GPS tracking, and mid-swim adjustments.

4. Safety Protocols: Equipped with radios, lifejackets, throw ropes, emergency supplies, and first aid kits.

5. Experienced Crew: Pilot trained in swimmer support, safety monitoring, and logistics.

6. Documentation: An LTMSF observer, swim logs, and certification support.

All services are designed with swimmer safety, performance, and rules compliance in mind.

For a swim to be officially recognized and submitted to the LongSwims Database, the swimmer must follow Lake Tahoe Marathon Swim Federation’s established rules and have an approved observer on board. We work with the LTMSF team to provide an observer for every swim.

Observers will ratify the swims and submit the results to both LTMSF and the Long Swims Database.

Yes.

We use a live tracker for every swim.

Each swimmer must have a Support Team on board to support the swimmer with feeds.

Generally, we allow 1-2 people on the boat. Support team members should bring food for themselves for the duration of the swim.

In addition to the swimmer’s crew, there must be an LTMSF observer onboard to document the swim.

Bring your swimsuit, goggles, a swim cap, earplugs, sunscreen, and a towel. We recommend a dry bag with warm clothes as well as a backup goggles and caps.

For night swimming, we recommend a water proof light to clip onto your cap and a glow stick for the back of your suit.

Prepare your feeds in advance. Swimmers will often have each feed labeled and prepped.

Each swim route starts and ends at specific locations. Details about each are available on the course description page.

Our team will let you know where to park and meet.

Solo swims: One swimmer completes the course.

Relay: Teams of swimmers alternate in fixed order, each swimming one-hour shifts.

Tandem: Two solo athletes swim at same pace.

Round-trip: Can be solo, tandem, or relay; requires extra planning.

Tahoe is a high altitude lake. You will be swimming at 6,225 feet above sea level. Prior to your swim, it is best to acclimate a few days at altitude and embrace the water.

All courses involve some swimming in the dark, so be prepared with proper lighting.

The water temperature ranges from 57°F to 70°F in the summer. Depending on weather, Lake Tahoe can be glassy or choppy.

We always recommend a kayaker for Tahoe swims. We use a kayaker for swimmer safety and efficacy.

We recommend the swimmer trains with a kayaker, in similar conditions to the swim.

They assist with navigation, offer rest and emergency support if needed, and supply food and hydration during the swim.

For ratified swims, feeds can be delivered by any method allowed by LTSMF rules. Usually the kayaker will throw a rope with a buoy and feeds attached.

Swimmers must not touch the kayak, boat, or support crew for the duration of the swim.

Feeds should be efficient, lasting 30-60 seconds. Make sure to train with feeds to prepare your stomach!

It’s important to test your feeds throughout training. Do not try new feeds during your swim.

We suggest using a mix of electrolytes and carbohydrate powders (like Tailwind, CLIF BLOKS, GU), gels, and easy-to-digest foods.

Prepare feeds in advance and keep stops brief.

No bananas on the boat.

You can swim any route in either direction.

Consult with our team beforehand to learn about the specific benefits and potential difficulties of each option.

Reptile Open Water Swim believes in the magic of embracing the water.

We abide by LTMSF standard equipment rules — each swimmer will only have a swimsuit, cap, and goggles.

If the swimmer wishes to use non-standard equipment, let our team know and we can discuss.

Marathon swims have been successfully completed in Lake Tahoe from the first of June to early October.

Most swims are completed in July and August.

Our team will work with you if a swim needs to be rescheduled for bad air quality or significant weather conditions.