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Swim Details

WHEN & WHERE WE SWIM

The River Hugger swim season runs from June through mid-September, ending when water temperatures fall below 63 degrees. The Huggers swim six days a week, with more swims offered in July and August. 

 

LOCATION

All swims start at the Fire Station 21 Dock on the Eastside Esplanade - 05 SE Madison St., Portland, OR. There is ample free parking on SE Madison St and SE Water Ave. The dock is also accessible by bike or foot via the Eastbank Esplanade. 

 

SWIM TIMES

Monday: 7:00 AM; 7:45 AM (July & August)

Tuesday: 7:00 AM; 7:45 AM (July & August); 6:00 PM (July & August)

Wednesday: 7:00 AM; 7:45 AM (July & August)

Thursday: 7:00 AM; 7:45 AM (July & August); 6:00 PM (July & August)

Friday: 7:00 AM; 7:45 AM (July & August)

Saturday: 9:00 AM

 

ABOUT THE SWIMS

Weekday Morning Swims (Monday–Friday)

Morning swims cross the Willamette River, swimming under the bridge to Tom McCall Park, and returning to the dock.

  • Each lap is approximately ½ mile.

  • Advanced swimmers are welcome to complete a second lap.

  • June & September: One morning swim each weekday at 7:00 AM.

  • July & August: Two morning swims each weekday at 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM.


Weekday Evening Swims (Tuesday & Thursday in July & August)

Evening swims follow the eastside riverbank. Routes vary depending on conditions and group preference.

  • Shorter route: swim to the Morrison Bridge and back (⅔ mile each way).

  • Longer route: swim to Duckworth Dock and back with option to walk the return (1 mile each way).

  • Start time is 6:00 PM.


Saturday Swims

The Saturday swim follows the eastside riverbank, heading south to the Morrison Bridge and returning to the dock.

  • Distance is approximately ⅔ mile.

  • Start time is 9:00 AM.

SIGNING UP TO SWIM OR PADDLE

New Swimmers: Swims for new swimmers will open for registration seven days in advance. You will be emailed a code to be able sign up on our website here.

Returning Swimmers: Each day's swim(s) opens for registration at 4 PM on the prior day, and will remain open for registration until the swim maximum of 30 swimmers is reached. You can sign up for swims on our website here.

Safety Paddlers: Safety paddlers can sign up for slots on our SignUp Genius which is shared with you via email. Slots are typically open up to 30 days in advance of a swim.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Swimmers should arrive between 5 to 15 minutes before the scheduled swim time so that we can be in the water promptly at the set start time.
  • River Hugger captains must give a safety talk before each swim.
  • A safety paddler must accompany the group. Ideally there will always be 2 or more paddlers.
  • Swimmers must have a whistle, swim buoys, goggles and a bright non-pink cap (these items are available to borrow for first-time swimmers).
  • Swimmers should not wear ear plugs to ensure they can hear instructions from the safety paddlers.
  • Slower swimmers are encouraged to wear fins so that we can stay in a pod.

  • All swimmers are required to sign a waiver and watch the safety video.

COSTS

  • The cost for the first time, chaperoned River Hugger Angel Swim is $20 — this includes a River Hugger swim cap and the use of a swim safety buoy, if you do not have one.
  • The cost for returning swimmers is $6 per swim.
  • Buoys can be purchased on our website here.