Rules

MARATHON SWIM RULES

HOW reserves the right to intrepret prior swims in context of past rules in effect.  These rules are subject to change without notice.  Rules posted at hawaiiopenwater.org are to be considered active and the most up to date rules furnished by HOW.  The revised 2024 certification form must be requested from: hichannelswim@gmail.com. 

Updated 4/1/2025

1. You will need an escort vessel and a support person on board to give you aid and information during the swim. Please check with your crew and observer regarding costs as they will vary by swim.

2. Rules are simple, swim from the starting point on shore to the finishing point on shore, start on land with no body of water behind, and end on land with no body of water beyond. You cannot start on a jetty or end on a jetty.

3. No swim aids other than goggles are allowed, no flotation device or propulsive assistance.  

4. This means you cannot touch the escort vessel or anything attached to the escort vessel during the swim.

5. One textile swimsuit in one or two pieces that does not extend past the knees or the shoulders is permitted with goggles and one swim cap only. Nose clips and earplugs are allowed. 

5. Using HOW's certification form (request at hawaiiopenwater@gmail.com), provide written documentation that certifies the above, signed by an Observer on the escort vehicle.  Indicate the date, start time and end time, the start location and end location, escort vessel name and skipper name where applicable, and swim data as indicated on the form. The Observer’s email address and phone number must be included. 

6. The swimmer and crew must submit three photographs of the swimmer that include the swimmer at the start, during the swim, and at the finish.  Swimmer attire must be completely visible in all 3 photographs.  It is highly advised to submit a gps tracking of the swim that shows the entire course from start to finish.  Certification is still possible without a complete gps tracked course however further diligence can be expected from HOW.

7. Swimmers and crew must make every effort to avoid harming wildlife and to avoid leaving any debris in the water or on the beaches.  Anyone entering the water as part of a swim is highly advised to use State of Hawaii reef-safe-sunscreen.

8. It is the responsibility of the swimmers and crew to follow all local, cultural, state, and federal regulations. 

Observer- an individual that is tasked with monitoring the swimmer(s) during the swim, ensuring all rules are followed and that all swim data required in the certification form and otherwise required is provided. 

Hawaii Open Water

Established 2025