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2013-05-19 5:29 PM


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Subject: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Hey everyone,

After trying on too many wetsuits (oh my goodness those things are so hard to put on!) I finally settled on one. So I think Im ready for swimming in the lake. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for an ohio street beach swimming newbie (I assume that's the best place to go?). Best times of day to swim? Logistics (I think they have lockers there?)? I'm just curious about whatever little things people wish they had known before they went out there for the first time.

I plan on going with a buddy that is an experienced open water swimmer, but I don't think he has ever been to this location either.

Also where do you guys go for lake temp forecasts? I've been looking at this: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/greatlakes/?c=tmp&l=lm&p=a

Thanks all!


2013-05-19 6:16 PM
in reply to: bigmike3541

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Congrats on the wetsuit! I just picked one up a few weeks ago. There is a group that meets every Saturday at 6:00am at North Aveune beach over by the chess pavilion. The group is called Open Water Chicago and the groups leader's name is Steve. Yesterday was my second week there. There is no cost, just show up and swim. I should be there next week. If you want to PM me, I can get you some more information.
2013-05-19 7:36 PM
in reply to: summers_jm


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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
What's the average distance the group goes for? I've been planning on heading out there some time
2013-05-19 7:42 PM
in reply to: jfolks259

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
If you leave from the ladder where everyone meets, you can head to the beach and back which is 1 mile. I've been walking to the beach, getting in, and swimming back to the ladder which is a 1/2 of a mile.
2013-05-20 6:13 AM
in reply to: #4748877


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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
This sounds great! The only thing I couldn't tell from the groups website is if they are open to new open water swimmers. Can anyone say anything about receptive the group is to beginners?
2013-05-20 8:53 AM
in reply to: bigmike3541

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
The group is very receptive to new swimmers. I only had done one or two open water swims before and the guys made me feel very welcomed.


2013-05-21 8:54 PM
in reply to: summers_jm


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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Great to hear. I'm not 100% sure I can make this weekend's swim, but after that I will be free. I'm really excited to get more acquainted with my wetsuit.

Are there any things you'd recommend I bring?
2013-05-22 10:21 AM
in reply to: bigmike3541

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
You can park at the North Ave beach lot. It costs 10 dollars for 2 hours. I bring a towel, goggles, swim cap, and my wetsuit. I'll wear my jammers because there is no place to change. I just take off my jeans and slip into my wetsuit. There is also no bathroom open that early so make sure to go before you get there. (I made that mistake the first time...)
2013-05-22 10:21 AM
in reply to: bigmike3541

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
You can park at the North Ave beach lot. It costs 10 dollars for 2 hours. I bring a towel, goggles, swim cap, and my wetsuit. I'll wear my jammers because there is no place to change. I just take off my jeans and slip into my wetsuit. There is also no bathroom open that early so make sure to go before you get there. (I made that mistake the first time...)
2013-05-22 10:21 AM
in reply to: bigmike3541

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
You can park at the North Ave beach lot. It costs 10 dollars for 2 hours. I bring a towel, goggles, swim cap, and my wetsuit. I'll wear my jammers because there is no place to change. I just take off my jeans and slip into my wetsuit. There is also no bathroom open that early so make sure to go before you get there. (I made that mistake the first time...)
2013-05-22 10:21 AM
in reply to: bigmike3541

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
You can park at the North Ave beach lot. It costs 10 dollars for 2 hours. I bring a towel, goggles, swim cap, and my wetsuit. I'll wear my jammers because there is no place to change. I just take off my jeans and slip into my wetsuit. There is also no bathroom open that early so make sure to go before you get there. (I made that mistake the first time...)


2013-05-22 11:53 AM
in reply to: summers_jm

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
The water has got to be freezing?  Once it warms up I would definitely be interested in this group activity!
2013-05-22 12:04 PM
in reply to: NRG42

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
May 18th water temp in their swim report was 57.
2013-05-22 4:05 PM
in reply to: NewfangledDad

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips

Originally posted by NewfangledDad May 18th water temp in their swim report was 57.
Warmer than I expected.  I've swam in colder but wouldn't voluntarily.

 

2013-05-22 4:46 PM
in reply to: crowny2

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
I see ya all down there when the water hits above 65. 
2013-05-22 7:04 PM
in reply to: NRG42

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Agreed. Once it warms up a bit more I'll be down there!


2013-05-24 10:51 AM
in reply to: tzcoaching

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips

Beaches are open and the water is 51F.

It might be awhile before I take a dip.

2013-05-29 10:05 AM
in reply to: doxie

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Originally posted by doxie

Beaches are open and the water is 51F.

It might be awhile before I take a dip.




Holy pewp 51 degrees!? Yeah I will not be entering the water anytime soon. I saw people in at Ohio Street beach last night and thought ... `Crazy Bastards'

Anyway, you should go to Ohio Street beach on any given evening in the summer. Usually dozens if not more triathletes getting their swim on.
2013-06-03 10:47 PM
in reply to: bigmike3541


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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Glad I stumbled across this. I hope to get out there for some practice before the Aug 25th triathlon, as I have never done anything like this.
2013-06-10 1:30 PM
in reply to: scottydoesnt

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
I heard last week the water was up to 60 degrees.

Our team is heading down there this Thursday night, 6pm. Anyone is welcome to join us.


MJ Gasik
2013-06-11 10:39 PM
in reply to: MJSlikas

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
We may be heading down there Thursday as well at about 6pm. I need to get at least one OWS before the LITH Tri this weekend. The lockers are out so you know it's time to swim.


2013-06-12 9:35 AM
in reply to: mr2tony

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
GREAT! We are hoping the storms today don't screw with the water conditions too much (ecoli, temperature).
Look forward to meeting you down there!

MJ Gasik
2013-06-12 1:49 PM
in reply to: MJSlikas

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Originally posted by MJSlikas

GREAT! We are hoping the storms today don't screw with the water conditions too much (ecoli, temperature).
Look forward to meeting you down there!

MJ Gasik


Yeah that happened a few times in years past. Ick. They just shut down the beach. You can find out before you go on the chicago park district website, I believe it is.
2013-06-13 11:00 AM
in reply to: mr2tony

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Originally posted by mr2tony

Originally posted by MJSlikas

GREAT! We are hoping the storms today don't screw with the water conditions too much (ecoli, temperature).
Look forward to meeting you down there!

MJ Gasik


Yeah that happened a few times in years past. Ick. They just shut down the beach. You can find out before you go on the chicago park district website, I believe it is.



Water quality is good, no restrictions, as the storms missed us, for the most part. Water temp at 62 degrees, NWS reports.
2013-06-13 2:46 PM
in reply to: mr2tony

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Subject: RE: Lake Michigan Swimming @ Ohio Street Beach tips
Anyone ever do a lunch-time swim down there?
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