FAQs | kingwolfswim

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I WEAR EARPHONES?

No. Your senses are already diminished when swimming. Wearing earphones further detracts your focus from the environment and so puts you at greater risk. Any swimmers wearing earphones (or similar) will be disqualified.

CAN I WEAR A TOW FLOAT?

Yes. The King Wolf Swim does not consider tow floats necessary for safety because each swimmer has personal kayak accompaniment, but if you would like to wear a tow float, feel free.

IS PERSONAL KAYAK ACCOMPANIEMENT MANDATORY?

Yes. Even if you are a very strong and capable swimmer, the nature of this event requires each swimmer to have personal accompaniment to help guide the swimmer across the river, provide feeds, and make the swimmer more visible to lake traffic.

IS THE RACE TIMED?

Yes. The King Wolf Swim uses manual timing, correct to the nearest minute.

ARE THERE AWARDS?

Each swimmer receives a handmade finisher metal from Black Dog Pottery. There are no awards for the fastest swimmers.

CAN I WEAR A WETSUIT?

Yes. If the water temperature is between 16.1 to 23.9 °C, you can decide on race day if you want to wear a wetsuit. If the water temperature is 16 °C or colder, wetsuits are mandatory. If the water temperature is 24 °C or higher, wetsuits are prohibited.

CAN I WEAR SWIM AIDS?

Yes. Swimmers can wear aids, such as fins and a snorkle. If you wear these aids, your swim will be marked as 'assisted'.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A SWIM CAP?

Yes. All swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim cap to help with visibility and identification. Swims caps will be provided at the event. If you have any allergies to certain materials, contact the race directors at kingwolfswim@gmail.com to make alternate arrangements.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?

Yes, swimmers must be 20 years of age by or on the day of the swim.

CAN I HANG ON TO THE KAYAK?

Yes. Assuming you have the kayaker's permission, you can hang on to the kayak to feed or just take a break. However, the kayaker cannot paddle forward while you are touching the kayak.

CAN I RETURN TO THE SWIM AFTER BOARDING A MOTOR BOAT?

No. If you board a motor boat either by personally withdrawing from the swim or because one of the crew instructed you to, you cannot return to the water. The motor boats will be equiped with lifeguards, first aiders, and an emergency room doctor. The boat will take you to the swim finish if there is no significant issue, or to Kingston General Hospital if you are very ill.

CAN I TOUCH THE BOTTOM?

Yes. The only place along route that you can touch the bottom of the lake is around Goose Island. You are discouraged from standing here but you will not be disqualified if you choose to do so. However, you cannot walk in any direction.

IS THERE A CURRENT?

Yes and no. The current of the St. Lawrence River, which flows west to east (perpendicular to the swim) is minimal. However, when the water is rough, the waves push south to north (against the swimmers) so they will make the swim to Wolfe Island more challenging.

CAN I WEAR A GPS WATCH?

Yes. Wearing a GPS watch is recommended since there are no distance markers on the course. Wearing a GPS watch will not place you in the assisted swim category.