BT Forum

Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Mary. I was there a few weeks before MM last year to train. Just stay on the inside of the buoys because there were quite a few boats out there (especially when the weather starts to warm up).

Thanks for the info. Does this mean there is a roped-off area for swimming? I have visions of swimming while my wife paddles her kayak next to me to keep boaters away.

No ropes.. But there is a buoys along the shoreline prohibiting boats to enter. There should be no problem with a kayak next to you.

I get to do all my open water swimming in Lake Mary since I live in Flag, the kayak escort is a great idea, I never swam without one. I usually go at one of the ends of the lake, they seem to be the quietest, the eastern side of the lake usually doesn't have any boat traffic... maybe because the water is shallow? Not sure if that's why, but I still can't touch the bottom. And this is all upper lake mary just so you know. I'd avoid swimming anywhere near the boat ramps, I know there are buoy's that are suppose to keep the boaters out, I just don't feel comfortable swimming so close (that's just me though).

The water is going to be icy cold now, but a couple months out from race time it should warm up nicely. =) 

I swim in Lake Mary too. Try to go as early in the day as possible to avoid the boats. Also, mid-week is much better than the weekends for obvious reasons. I usually start at the southern boat ramp and swim towards the dam, past the northern boat ramp. That way I have the shore close by and can keep track of how far I've gone. We could start some group OWS once it gets warmer in June or so. Get a neon swim cap too. That helps a lot with visibility.

Thanks for the info everyone! That would be great if we could get a group together when the lake warms up.

Been looking for good rides out there too - looks like the options are pretty limited but I saw a lot of people riding.

Same place. I do combos a lot, where I park at the southern boat ramp, ride south on Lake Mary Rd, then jump in for a swim. In July and August we won't need wetsuits to do that--for shorter swims. It's great for the tired legs to be immersed in cold water after a ride and your shorts and top get a post-ride rinse too.

That's one of the routes I was looking at. I heard Jerome is quite the climb! I used to be a climber (you know, back in the day...) and I've been trying to get my climbing legs back.

I start my drive out at the end of the week...

I would like to swim in Lake MAry before the Mtn Man 2012. Can you camp nearby?