Swim Information

Race Date: Saturday 07/14/12 | Postponement Date: Sunday 07/15/12 | Race Starts 9:00 am

The kayak boat ramp and starting line is located at the bath house on Long Sands beach. GPS address 54 Long Beach Ave, York Beach, ME 03909 (across from Liquid Dreams Surf Shop) this is also where the swimmers will check in and get their kayaks inspected.

Finish line is on Short Sands beach (check course map)

Spectators will be able to watch the swimmers from Sohier Park across from the Nubble Light House and along Ocean Ave Extension near Short Sands Beach. A shuttle bus will run between the Sohier Park Parking Lot and Long and Short Sands Beach (check map). Further details will be available on the website as the race day approaches.

In the event of inclement weather or rough conditions on the water, the race will be canceled or postponed as soon as possible. We will make every attempt to complete the race. Call 207-363-1496 if you suspect the swim to be canceled or postponed.

To ensure a prompt start of the race we ask that kayakers get your kayak inspected and swimmers get marked with your number on your hand as soon as possible. All swimmers must sign in the day of the race . Sign in and inspections will start at 6:00 AM. Swimmers and kayak teams must be present together for boat inspection on Long Sands Beach. Sign in and inspections will close at 7:30AM.

Race Information:

The Nubble Light Challenge is a 2.4 mile point-to-point ocean swim. For those who are unfamiliar with the Maine coast, the ocean conditions are notable for two reasons: (1) cold temperatures year round, and (2) unpredictable surf conditions.

Ocean temperatures in Maine rarely exceed 65 degrees at any time of the year. Even in the middle of July, ocean temperatures can be in the low to mid 50s. Variable ocean currents and winds can cause dramatic temperature shifts, with changes of as much as 15 degrees in 12 hours. Swimmers must arrive at the race prepared for cold water conditions.

UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN OF YOUR ABILITY TO TOLERATE COLD WATER TEMPERATURES FOR 1-2 HOURS, YOU SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT THE RACE WITHOUT A WETSUIT.

Wetsuits are strongly recommended, but not required, if the measured water temperature on the day of the race is 58 degrees or above. If the measured water temperature on the morning of the race is below 58 degrees, wetsuits will be required for all competitors (full body or sleeveless wetsuits are acceptable, but full torso and leg coverage is required). The race staff may make exceptions to allow some swimmers to compete without wetsuits if the temperature is below 58 degrees. However, exceptions will be granted only to individuals who have proven experience (satisfactory to the race staff) with swimming in cold water races (below 60 degrees) without a wetsuit. Wetsuit waiver requests must be submitted to the Race Director at least ten days prior to the event.

The cutoff time for completing the race is anticipated to be two hours. On the day of the race, the Race Committee may choose to shorten the cutoff time due to water temperature, surf, or other conditions.

In addition to cold water, wave height, currents, and chop are highly variable. The surf in July is generally quite mild, but can be rough. Swimmers should be prepared for potentially rough surf conditions, particularly at the start, the finish, and just prior to entering "the gut" in front of the Nubble.

  • There is meter only parking around Long and Short Sands Beach. Free parking will be available at York High School which is approximately one mile away from Long and Short Sands. We are working to secure more parking around the Beach ball field. More details on parking, shuttle bus routes and schedule will be posted as we get closer to race day.
  • Following the race, food for swimmers and kayakers only and the awards ceremony will take place at the York Beach Ball Field which is located behind Short Sands Beach by the York Beach Fire Department check map
  • Race Directors reserve the right to modify or shorten the race course due to inclement weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances and to accept or reject any entry.

NAMI of Maine

Each of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Maine Chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that one in four adults will experience a mental health disorder in a given year. Many types of mental illnesses are hereditary and research shows that children raised by parents with depression or other mental illnesses are more likely to suffer the same symptoms as they grow into adulthood. The U.S. Surgeon General reports that 10% of children and adolescents suffer from a serious mental health disorder that severely impacts their daily life at home, at school, and with their peers. Early identification and treatment is imperative to minimize the impact mental illness has on the individual, their family, and the community. NAMI provides educational programs and support to families that are directly affected by mental illness. They also educate schools and community agencies by identifying the symptoms and early warning signs of mental illnesses. Your contribution for the swim will benefit these local programs.

NUBBLE LIGHT CHALLENGE is a non-profit organization established in 2009, to raise funds for the benefit our community based organizations by promoting an annual athletic event. Our goal is to promote a safe and quality event that will be competitive for those trying to establish personal goals as well as those satisfied with the goal of finishing.

Registration

Registration will open Friday, December 3rd, 2011.

Race Information

Swimmers who qualified for the Nubble Light Challenge last year do NOT have to qualify this year.

Swimmers who did NOT participated in the NUBBLE LIGHT CHALLENGE 2011 MUST qualify for the event by providing proof you can swim one mile in thirty five minutes or less by either:

  1. Have a qualified person time you and fill out a qualifying form. You can download the qualifying form from the link below. All qualifying times must be witnessed and signed by a certified lifeguard or aquatic instructor.

    2011 Nubble Light Challenge Qualifying Time Form

  2. Swimmers who have successfully completed a swim of a similar or greater distance in a recent (within two years) swim or triathlon event may use their results as a form of qualification. Please email or fax the results page from the event highlighting your name, age group and finishing time to: info@nubblelightchallenge.com or 207 363 8568 (fax).

Swimmers are responsible to provide their own experienced Kayaker escort. An "experienced kayaker" is one with experience in open ocean kayaking and has the ability to “"self rescue" in the event of a rollover during the race. A swimmer will be permitted to swim the race without a kayak escort if they have previous open ocean swim race experience and can swim a mile in under 30 minutes. A waiver must be signed by the swimmer the day of the race if they decide to waive the kayak escort requirement. Please notify us by email no later than June 1st if you choose to waive a kayak escort.

If you participated in last year’s Nubble Light Challenge and qualified to waive the kayak escort, you do NOT have to qualify this year. However, you still have to notify us and sign the waiver.

  • Entry fee for USAT members $100
  • Entry fee for non USAT members $110 (Non-members must purchase a $10 one day membership). See www.usatriathlon.com for insurance coverage information and other benefits to being a USAT member.

Refund Policy:

See www.iamathlete.com

Race Confirmation:

We will be emailing registered participants more detailed information about the race events and policies in the days to come.

Sponsorship Info:

Platinum ($2,500 or above)
Platinum ($2,500 or above)
Gold ($1,000- $2,499)
Silver ($500- $999)
Bronze ($250- $499)
Product and Gear Sponsors

Nubble Light Challenge 2011 Donation Form