Trial Swim

Overview of the trial swim

One third of the distance of the big swim, maximum 16 km.
In the same or similar body of water as the big swim.
Attended by coach and Swim Master.
Pre-Trial-swim training log must be approved before the trial swim.
"Pass" is defined as finishing the trial swim without undue fatigue. Niagara to Toronto has a time limit due to the Humber current.

Before SSO will sanction a proposed swim, a challenger must complete an outdoor, open water, continuous swim of not less than one-third of the intended distance, with a maximum of ten miles (sixteen kilometres). The purpose of the Trial Swim is to show that the swimmer has a reasonable chance of swimming the length of the main marathon swim, can swim for an extended time in waves and cold water, and is fit and fast enough to overcome adverse currents. To demonstrate the above abilities, SSO requires swimmers new to marathon swimming to swim their trial swim in the same, or a similar, body of water, to that which is being challenged. This swim cannot be in a swimming pool. The swimmer’s Coach shall be in attendance throughout the Trial Swim.

Swimmers who have recently swum a Great Lake, or similar ratified cold-water swim, only need to prove that they are currently fit and fast enough. This can be accomplished by a trial swim in a smaller body of water than the main marathon swim.

For swimmers who reside outside of Ontario, or in other circumstances where it is logistically difficult for SSO to attend the Trial Swim, SSO may accept evidence of a swim, either authenticated by a swimming governing body or as a completed "mail in" Trial Swim Form signed by at least two witnesses, as a proxy for the Trial Swim. This swim must be done in a body of water similar to the main marathon swim, especially with regards to waves, colder temperatures, and lack of assistance by currents. Please contact SSO for the "Mail in" Trial Swim Form. All Trial Swims are subject to the Board's approval.

Pre-Trial-Swim Preparation. During the training season, in order to prepare for the Trial Swim for a Lake Ontario swim, SSO recommends that the swimmer complete the following training swims:

A long continuous swim that is more than half the distance of the main marathon swim, which may be done in a pool, and
Five open-water swims in a similar body of water to the main marathon swim lake. Each swim should be of about 2 hours duration and include a variety of weather conditions including waves, cold water and night-time.

The swimmer MUST submit written-and-verified details of adequate preparation and have them approved by the Swim Master PRIOR to the date of the Trial Swim. It is recommended that the coach or trainer document these specific swims in the Pre-Trial-Swim Training Log (see Forms).

Once the Pre-trial-swim training log is approved, a Swim Master will conduct the Trial Swim. A location is chosen where the swimmer swims either parallel to the shore while the Swim Master and Coach observe on shore, or across a body of water, using boats (provided by swimmer) and safety equipment. The length of the course used for the Trial Swim must be measured by GPS.

A successful Trial Swim is judged by the completion of the prescribed distance without undue fatigue. The Swim Master may compare the speed in the second half to the first half of the Trial swim to assess fatigue and endurance. The Swim Master will also assess the adequacy of the feeding plan. Trial swims for a Lake Ontario Niagara to Toronto marathon swim have cut off times (see below).

The Swim Master submits a report the Board of Directors of SSO on the acceptability of the Trial Swim. Judgement of the acceptability of the Trial Swim is the responsibility of the SSO Board.

Lake Ontario cut off time:

A comprehensive data-analysis (see Administration) of trial-swim times and Lake Ontario swim-outcomes (on the Niagara – Toronto route) since 1983 has demonstrated that:

Swimmers require sufficient endurance and speed to be successful in crossing the Humber River’s outflow and other circulation currents in the second half of their swim.
Without sufficient endurance and speed, these currents add significantly to the length of the swim, leading to a level of exhaustion that has caused serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications which have warranted 2- to 3-day hospital admissions.
The 16 kilometre trial swim has proven to be a valid measure of a swimmer’s endurance and speed.
Trial swims over 6 hours and 45 minutes all resulted in Lake Ontario swims over 24 hours and resulted in serious medical complications requiring admission in 75% of cases.
Trial swims between 6:15 and 6:45 generally resulted in swims over 24 hours or inability to finish and extended emergency room visits in 2/3 cases.

Consequently, the following guidelines are established for the 16 km Trial Swim for a proposed Niagara-Toronto crossing:

< 6 hours 15 minutes: The Trial Swim is considered a PASS, if it is completed “without undue fatigue”.
6:15-6:45: If the Board passes a trial swim in this zone, the Lake Ontario swim will be considered a "Specialized Support Swim" and the swimmer will be required to provide additional medical support, a second Swim Master, as well as other possible safety measures as determined by the Board.
>6:45: The trial swim is considered, without exception, a FAILED trail swim.

A swimmer must complete the Trial Swim in order to have SSO sanction the main marathon swim.

A swimmer who does not complete the Trial Swim successfully can reapply for another Trial Swim.

During the Trial Swim, the swimmer should try to imitate as much as possible the conditions that will be experienced on the actual marathon swim. Trying different types of food and practicing feeding is highly recommended (See Advice). Immediately after the swim, a core temperature (rectal) reading can be taken to provide information about resistance to cold.

If Pacers are to be used on the main marathon swim, then it is important for the swimmer and pacers to practice swimming together; however, PACERS are NOT ALLOWED during the Trial swim.

Although night swimming is a valuable experience for the swimmer, this is not recommended for the Trial Swim, except under exceptional circumstances, and unless it is conducted by and with the consent of the actual Swim Master, who shall require all necessary safety procedures to be followed.

If a swimmer registers to complete one marathon swim with SSO and intends to use a portion of that swim as their Trial Swim for another marathon swim with SSO, this request must be established before the first marathon swim takes place, so that it can be properly monitored and documented by the Swim Master. Both marathon swims will be charged at the full rate for Registration.

Get in Touch